UNESCO Seeks Inclusion of UJ’s Pioneering Teaching School in its Network of Associated Schools
In a bid to strengthen collaboration between South Africa and UNESCO, the organisation’s Director General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, paid a visit to Funda UJabule teaching school at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Soweto Campus on Tuesday April 16, 2024.
Ms Azoulay, who was recently appointed in the role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Director General, was joined by UJ Chancellor Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ihron Rensburg and the Department of Basic Education Johannesburg Central District (D14) Director, Ms Tshepo Seate.
Facilitating cutting-edge research in childhood education
Funda UJabule, a school within UJ’s Faculty of Education and a flagship institution in Childhood Education, is a pioneering project in teacher education and research. Its distinctive approach, which actively bridges the theory-practice gap, is rapidly earning acclaim for its practical and research-oriented methodologies in training primary school educators in South Africa.
Professor Nadine Petersen, the Executive Dean of UJ’s Faculty of Education, explained, “Funda UJabule serves as a critical training ground for aspiring primary school teachers. It not only provides hands-on experience but also operates as a beacon for the future establishment of ‘teaching schools’ across the country.”
Prof Petersen emphasised the school’s role as a “social laboratory,” facilitating cutting-edge research in childhood education.
Transformative impact of immersive teacher training
One of the key misconceptions that Prof Petersen addressed is the undervaluation of Foundation Phase teachers in South Africa. She asserts, “Contrary to popular belief, Foundation Phase teaching demands a significant level of intellectual rigour. “We must recognise the importance of quality primary school educators, as they lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.”
Prof Petersen stressed the transformative impact of Funda UJabule’s immersive approach to teacher training. “Through sustained involvement in our teaching school, student teachers gain invaluable insights into child development, curriculum implementation, and the intricacies of school life. This holistic preparation equips them effectively for the multifaceted demands of the teaching profession.”
In addition to its role in teacher education, Funda UJabule serves as a nexus for groundbreaking research, fostering collaboration between academia and practice to drive innovation and excellence in childhood education. Professor Sarah Gravett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, who was one of the founders of Funda UJabule School, expressed her joy at seeing the school grow and flourish many years later.
“I am very thankful that when we went to the then Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Prof Rensburg) and said we want to start a teaching school at our Soweto Campus, he was very supportive. (I am also) grateful for the support given by Minster Motshekga, who was at that stage the MEC for Education in Gauteng. Without their crucial backing, we would not be here today.”
Exploration of state-of-the-art facilities and initiatives
Ms Azoulay and her team were given the opportunity to walkabout in the school, see some of the state-of-the-art facilities available to the children as well as the newly opened makerspace, which allows children to learn through play. The guests were also delighted with a musical item by the school’s choir. She shared her excitement at seeing the usage of indigenous South African languages Sesotho and IsiZulu in the classroom, and invited the school to join UNESCO’s network of associated schools.
Funda UJabule School Principal, Ms Sabina Lukhuleni, expressed her appreciation to the director-general and hear team, and said this encouraged them to continue working hard and continue molding young minds, into citizens driving change in their communities.
The recent visit by UNESCO’s Director General and South Africa’s Ministery of Basic Education highlights the growing recognition of Funda UJabule as a leading institution in teacher education and research, poised to shape the future of primary education in South Africa and beyond.