The lived experience of black parents who have children in former model C schools
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Date
2000
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to establish the lived experience of black parents who have children in former Model C schools. From the literature study it became clear that large numbers of black parents continuously enrol their children in former Model C schools because they appear to have lost faith in township schools. Model C schooling has from its inception been engulfed with some problems. These schools were previously racially exclusive and were not yet ready to accommodate, in all respects, the new type of learners that were enrolling, particularly the black children. These schools inevitably brought about a new set of relationships and responsibilities for the black parents.
Parents should, however, be clear about their responsibility as parents. As the child's primary educators, they are responsible for the child's adequate education at home, which serves as a basis for school education. Parents rely largely on their own experience and personal intuition in order to guide their children to adulthood. Parents encountered some problems in their quest for best education for their children. The investigation revealed that they believed in their own decisions on what is best education for their children. Black parents still need assistance in order to improve their relationships with the communities of former Model C schools. It is crucial for black parents not just to be assimilated into these schools but make a significant impact regarding their transformation.
For the purpose of the empirical investigation a self-structured questionnaire was utilised. An analysis was done of 140 completed by black parents who have children in former Model C schools, in Durban South Region.
The data thus obtained was processed and interpreted by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis, namely that the black parent's relationship with the self, others, things and ideas, and God has no relation with their gender, age and occupation, has to be accepted.
In conclusion, a summary and certain finding emanating from the literature study and the empirical investigation were presented. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made:
• Systematic integration of public schools and continuous evaluation of their performance.
• Formulation of national educational values.
• Further research must be done regarding black parent's lived experience who have children in former Model C schools.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Educational Psychology and Special Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2000.