The cost of building and upgrading South Africa’s ten World Cup Stadiums cost approximately R13.6 billion. Providing 19,808 government schools with a functioning library would cost R7.9 billion. (We Can’t Afford Not To, www.equaleducation.org.za)
This week’s theme: Disparate stats
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Why compare to libraries? Surely the real reason that education is so bad in this country is that the teachers are so bad. Libraries are not going to make a difference when your teacher is useless. I’ve asked people in our office what things they consider made their education a good one and not one mentioned the library.
It’s always easier for humans to take on huge projects that show of to the world no matter what the cost, rather than do a simple (often unoticable) deed. Our priorites as South Africans are skewed at times. Yes the world cup will bring in tourists and revenue, but who will lead this country in the future…uneducated people?
Lance, every person in your office grew up in a home with books. Most kids grow up with not a single book in their home, other than the bible. Kids never learn to read because there is nothing for them to read.
You’re very right that their teachers are bad and that is a big issue we deal with a lot and it will become a campaign issue soon.
A popular campaign for school libraries, other than being directed towards a worthwhile end, is also a way to build a grassroots culture of reading and a desire for knowledge. It is not only important that we get the right education policies (although these are vital) but also that there is a popular hunger for education.