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The South African constitution makes it very clear that discrimination on the grounds of race or gender must not be allowed in our country. In our schools it means that every child in the country has a right to a good education, a safe school environment and access to education, regardless of race or gender. All learners must be treated equally.
Hints
Before tackling the assignment, look up the meaning of the three key concepts stereotyping, discrimination and bias in a dictionary.
‘Racism’ at school shocks Gaum
HEIDELBERG. Mr André Gaum, the Minister of Education for the Western Cape, expressed shock at an alleged incident of racism at the local high school. A Grade 10 boy allegedly insulted a 15-year-old girl by using crude language towards her.
It is alleged that the girl was so badly traumatised by the incident that she was unable to complete the school day.
Gaum emphasised that he “would not tolerate racism in the schools of the province at all”.
It is alleged that the boy, whose father holds a senior position at a local cooperative, had repeatedly called the girl a “h****t”.
She went home immediately and reported the incident to her mother.
Gaum stated that it was tragic that such incidents still occurred. The local circuit manager will meet the parents of the learners involved to settle the matter, a spokesperson of the WCED announced yesterday.
(A translated report from Die Burger, 26 January 2002)
LO 2
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to constitutional rights and responsibilities, and to show an understanding of diverse cultures and religions.
We know this when the learner:
2.1 applies children’s rights and responsibilities to a range of problem situations;
2.2 discusses instances of stereotype, discrimination and bias, and presents a plan to deal with them in own local context;
2.3 discusses the significance of friends in times of tragedy and change;
2.4 discusses the contributions of women and men in a range of cultural contexts;
2.5 discusses festivals and customs from a variety of religions in South Africa.
The learning material in modules 8 to 13 link very closely with that of module 1-7, but now the emphasis is on human rights. Respect for cultural values and the promotion of understanding and tolerance for diversity in the community are given priority. Activities centred around racism also offer the opportunity to identify and address possible violations of this nature in the school or community.
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Last edited by Siyavula Uploaders on Apr 21, 2009 3:21 pm -0500.