MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

MAKING THE DREAMS OF UJ STUDENTS FROM DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS COME TRUE

The Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, is a dynamic and engaged faculty, and its conceptual framework for teaching and learning states that “…we are committed to the preparation of caring, accountable and critically-reflective educational practi­tioners who are able to support and nurture learning and development in diverse educational contexts”. For this reason the Faculty has entered into agreements with two universities in the USA- Miami University in Ohio, and Georgia State University in Atlanta- that provides PGCE and 4^th year B.Ed students – our future teachers-  the opportunity to spend two weeks in August in schools in the United States. Under this agreement students get the opportunity to observe and teach in American classrooms, and compare education in South Africa and in the USA. However, this is a costly initiative, and in order to assist the students participating in this exchange programme financially, the Faculty is arranging a fundraising concert for 29 June 2013, at the Sanlam Auditorium, APK Campus.

Our teachers face many challenges on a daily basis. As an initial teacher education provider, the Faculty of Education of UJ has decided to provide our students the opportunity to spend two weeks in schools in Atlanta. This American city has so many things in common with Johannesburg. If one walks through the streets of Atlanta, one is surprised by the large number of homeless people. Schools are diverse, with many cultural groups represented. Our students realise during the short period of teaching in American schools that issues of diversity and inclusivity are also relevant in the USA. If you think that discipline is a problem in South African classrooms, you have not seen anything yet! Our students who went to the USA in the past, all mention how maintaining discipline was much harder in the USA, than back home. Over the past three years, our students who went abroad, all reflect on a period that was very valuable for their own professional development as tomorrow’s teachers.

Unfortunately, with the Rand plummeting to more than R10 per Dollar, this experience is not within reach of many of our students who come from disadvantaged communities. For this reason the Faculty has decided to hold a fundraising concert, and all proceeds will go towards assisting the students on this trip.

Laurika Rauch, accompanied by Wessel van Wyk

Laurika Rauch, Diva of Afrikaans music, has agreed to assist us in our fundraising efforts. In the 80 minute programme, Laurika will be singing a selection of Afrikaans and English songs. The programme includes a few relatively new songs, as well as her best-loved hits, spanning from 1979, when Kinders van die wind rocketed her to stardom. She will be joined on stage by classical pianist Wessel van Wyk. A show not to be missed!

Sherry and soup for sale

As from 18:30, sherry and soup will be on sale. The show commences at 20:00.

Bookings

Tickets are available at Computicket. Price: R120.

Details of show: Laurika Rauch @ UJ

Date: Saturday 29 June 2013

Time: Food on sale as from 18:30. Concert starts at 20:00

Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, UJ Auckland Park Campus

For more information, contact: Prof Josef de Beer; (011) 559-2765