Mandela Barloworld Agricultural High School
Back in September, when I first visited the Modjadji area that was to be my home, I traveled with Mara and Kat to the head kraal to be introduced to the royal council and to receive our names: henceforth each of us being known as a former rain queen. It was from this location, high in the mountains overlooking my surrounding villages, that I noticed a structure that stood out for its superior workmanship, encompassed by the more dilapidated buildings of the villagers. After pointing it out to my principal it was explained that the green roofed creation below me was a high school built by Nelson Mandela. At that the subject was dropped.
Fast forward 7 months later to me sitting in the car with one of my principals, Mr. Moraba. We are returning from a visit to the circuit office when I point to the sign announcing the school and mention that I have been interest in viewing it. Mr. Moraba appeases me and brings me to a school that is an oasis against the degradation of village sustenance. Its wall are cobble stoned, its lawns, which do in fact exist, are manicured, and it is accented with tiny details that both distinguish and amplify it.
The principal of Mandela Barloworld Agricultural High School is young and vivacious. She quickly takes to me when she discovers my origins in the village and offers me a tour of the school. There is a full clinic on site, lab rooms with marble countertops, two separate computer classrooms, an auto mechanic class which the principal explains that many of the students are so well trained in that they have weekend and afternoon jobs in a country where a large portion of the adult population is unemployed, agricultural fields where students do practical work, and covered pathways.
The story behind the high school is as follows: when Mandela came to visit the area after becoming president many actions took place. To begin with the dirt road leading up the mountain to the queen’s home was washed out due to the multiplicity of rain which the area receives. As a result, Mandela had to be flown via helicopter to his destination. At that inconvenience he had the road paved. After meeting with the rain queen of the time, Kgosigadi Modjadji V, they discussed the creation of an agricultural high school. The idea took hold and the plan was soon set in motion.
Modjadji V insisted that the high school be built in a location where, from her home, she could see it each morning when she awoke and view it one last time before retiring for bed. An old primary school at the base of the mountain was chosen as the location. The old classrooms were renovated and turned into the clinic that serves the school and community. The project manager was touched by the fact that many of the class’s, due to lack of classrooms, had taken place under large fig trees. As a result, he insisted the designs be made to accommodate these trees to signify the school’s humble beginnings. He also made sure that all the walkways were covered so that the students would no longer be prohibited by the weather in their learning processes. Finally, the project manager, a former inmate at Robin Island, added a small tower to the entrance of the school to symbolize how far he had climbed since the days of apartheid.
This year signifies the first year that the school will boast graduating students. When the school began in 2002 it had 32 grade 8 students. As an incentive for the students to pursue their academics through the rigorous course work offered, Mandela signed 32 diplomas each with the original students’ names. Today, less that 15 of those original students remain, but those who do will receive this coveted diploma at the end of the year. Also, the school will be holding its first matric ball (equivalent of prom), for its Grade 12 students, which I have been invited to attend.
In the end, I hope the story of this school will become an emblem of prosperity to the many struggling village schools of the country. It is heart warming to know that it is possible for this school to exist, amongst its village surroundings, and causes me to be hopeful that eventually the educational system as a whole will change.
Fast forward 7 months later to me sitting in the car with one of my principals, Mr. Moraba. We are returning from a visit to the circuit office when I point to the sign announcing the school and mention that I have been interest in viewing it. Mr. Moraba appeases me and brings me to a school that is an oasis against the degradation of village sustenance. Its wall are cobble stoned, its lawns, which do in fact exist, are manicured, and it is accented with tiny details that both distinguish and amplify it.
The principal of Mandela Barloworld Agricultural High School is young and vivacious. She quickly takes to me when she discovers my origins in the village and offers me a tour of the school. There is a full clinic on site, lab rooms with marble countertops, two separate computer classrooms, an auto mechanic class which the principal explains that many of the students are so well trained in that they have weekend and afternoon jobs in a country where a large portion of the adult population is unemployed, agricultural fields where students do practical work, and covered pathways.
The story behind the high school is as follows: when Mandela came to visit the area after becoming president many actions took place. To begin with the dirt road leading up the mountain to the queen’s home was washed out due to the multiplicity of rain which the area receives. As a result, Mandela had to be flown via helicopter to his destination. At that inconvenience he had the road paved. After meeting with the rain queen of the time, Kgosigadi Modjadji V, they discussed the creation of an agricultural high school. The idea took hold and the plan was soon set in motion.
Modjadji V insisted that the high school be built in a location where, from her home, she could see it each morning when she awoke and view it one last time before retiring for bed. An old primary school at the base of the mountain was chosen as the location. The old classrooms were renovated and turned into the clinic that serves the school and community. The project manager was touched by the fact that many of the class’s, due to lack of classrooms, had taken place under large fig trees. As a result, he insisted the designs be made to accommodate these trees to signify the school’s humble beginnings. He also made sure that all the walkways were covered so that the students would no longer be prohibited by the weather in their learning processes. Finally, the project manager, a former inmate at Robin Island, added a small tower to the entrance of the school to symbolize how far he had climbed since the days of apartheid.
This year signifies the first year that the school will boast graduating students. When the school began in 2002 it had 32 grade 8 students. As an incentive for the students to pursue their academics through the rigorous course work offered, Mandela signed 32 diplomas each with the original students’ names. Today, less that 15 of those original students remain, but those who do will receive this coveted diploma at the end of the year. Also, the school will be holding its first matric ball (equivalent of prom), for its Grade 12 students, which I have been invited to attend.
In the end, I hope the story of this school will become an emblem of prosperity to the many struggling village schools of the country. It is heart warming to know that it is possible for this school to exist, amongst its village surroundings, and causes me to be hopeful that eventually the educational system as a whole will change.
posted by Cait at 10:05 AM
4 Comments:
I Just LOVE Mandela Barlow,it's fees are reasonable yet the produce greate quality.
MBHS is the school yu wana be at. FACT Mandela Barlow Rocks big tym, M@rix 2010 yu rock even more, Mrs Modika PP We miss you
Mandela Barlo is home of the brains. Fountain of education and most primary learners dreams to be there.
New principal came to mandela barlow... The school is not good any more.. Teachers are dating school staff... Learners are having sex at school.... Some are drinking and somking all kinds of smoking material... Mr Monyela is a good principal...
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