Cape Town is a diverse city that I have been lucky enough to
visit several times over the last few years. The landscape, the people, the
culture all work together to reflect the rich variety of this city and this
country. As the turbulent history of South Africa would suggest, this country’s
society is out of balance: staggering economic inequalities are inescapable.
But this is also a city with great energy and the place bristles with creative
energy and promise – a power that if encouraged and harnessed can surely help
drive this country economically, culturally and socially towards a greater
sense of equality. Education obviously has a large part to play in developing
the talents of the next generation of South Africans, both those born here and
those who travel to the cape to find work and a better life.
On this trip to Cape Town, I’ll be working alongside a researcher from the UK who is researching
with young migrant children in state primary schools to explore their views on
inclusion. Using exciting methods such as picture books and photography, the research
hopes to gain a child’s insight into how they feel their school includes them
and how the school can help young migrants to flourish.
I'll be helping the children turn their ideas to make a
film telling the story of a migrant’s arrival at school. Looking forward to it!