History Of Mission Schools In South Africa

Education and training in South Africa in the nineteenth century began by early missions . It is noticed that there was a shortage of teaching in Christian norms and values among the blacks , coloreds and slaves, and therefore the mission schools mainly constructed for these groups to educate people .

The primary purpose of the schools was to these people in the Christian faith and teaching through repentance and to teach the children to read and write . Their approach was if the children could read and write , they could read the Bible and understand it better . This Christian- education they received was mostly in English, and it has enabled them to live in peace with each other and to live together with respect. It is generally brings a better way of life among these people .

There was conflict between cultural groups and the morality of the mission schools , but these missionary schools still made the foundation for South Africa 's formal education . The blacks during apartheid still had the foundation that mission schools established.

Role of mission schools until the early 20th century.

Mission schools across South Africa originated from different churches and went to work among different parts of the country. The way of schooling was very simple . The German Calvinists believed that a certain level of education was required to be part of the church , that you can read your Bible , could recite sections of Christianity and could write your name. The settlers that arrived at the Cape, began to establish mission stations and later developed them in schools. The first school was originated in 1658 and Van der Stael was appointed as the first principal . The children of the school were mostly slaves from Angola. The slaves were...

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... act with wisdom. During his time as President (1994-1999) he urged the South African nation to forgive one another for human rights abuses during the apartheid years. Nelson Mandela was known as a peacemaker and he also won the Nobel Prize for Peace. The Christian faith that Mandela was exposed to as a child is based on sacrifices . Mandela also reflect these sacrifices in his years in prison .

We can see that the norms and values of Nelson Mandela was taught in the mission schools, formed the backbone of his character.

Do you think religion studies in the South African education system should be enforced ?

No, according to the Constitution of South Africa every person has the right to their own religion to live it out accordingly. No one can be forced to worship or not to worship. We agree with the law and feel that everyone is entitled to their own free choices .