College of Human Sciences
Unisans share the world of language studies and careers with rural learners
Education is perceived as the key to success and a route out of poverty, but learners in rural areas still lack information on the different courses offered in higher education and the various career options available to them. To address this void, Unisa’s Department of African Languages felt it necessary to educate learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) about career paths available to those who would like to pursue a career involving especially isiZulu.
Staff from Unisa's Department of African Languages engaging with learners and staff at the Star of the Sea High School in Umhlabuyalingana
Over a period of one week, members of the department’s IsiZulu section conducted visits to schools in the uMkhanyakude District in KZN in the spirit of the university’s 150th anniversary theme, "Reclaiming Africa’s intellectual futures". They visited the Star of the Sea High School, Sizaminqubeko High School, Shayina High School, Thongwana High School, Namaneni High School, Sinethezekile High School, Ezibukweni High School, Vezobala High School and Silethukukhanya High School. The purpose of the visit was to educate Grades 9 and 12 learners about the different career options available to those who study isiZulu at Unisa. Teachers also joined in the sessions, and enquired about furthering their postgraduate studies through Unisa.
uMkhanyakude District IsiZulu Home and First Additional Language Subject Advisor, Fikile Nxumalo, expressed her gratitude to Unisa in visiting rural KZN to impart knowledge. “Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds end up educationally disadvantaged in terms of accessing higher education,” she said. “Before this visit, most of them were not aware that one can pursue a career in isiZulu, let alone study it at university.”
She continued: “For many, access to information is important but understanding information is another thing. Language barriers and the standard of education offered in rural schools challenge many learners’ understanding of basic information such as instructions on application forms or finding books in the library. Universities should therefore offer courses in African languages,” added Nxumalo.
#Unisa150
* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences
Publish date: 2023/03/10
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