They say that all professions are created by teachers and the input of our educators in the lives of our children.  After being a mommy/teacher/cleaner and sometimes attorney during the lockdown, I have a newfound respect for these undervalued members of society.

Grade 2 has never been this difficult, and I can’t remember that I struggled with it, when I was there.  On the other hand,…I can’t remember it at all.  I have a void in my memory when it comes to primary school and that is probably why I don’t get all the whoo-haa that is created around these poor kids.

Touching base with teachers and cleaners who has started their return to work, it is however notable how confused they are with their current situation.  Which brings me to the next “They say”

They also say that everything stands and falls with leadership. Unfortunately, the current frustration in the Department of education is the best example of this saying.  How on earth do you stop schools being opened the night before they are supposed to open?   

Don’t get me wrong, I also don’t want to be the minister of Education for a million bucks a month, nor am I unsympathetic towards the enormous task that she has, but the uncertainty of 13 million learners simply outweighs her challenge. 

Add to this the fear of parents for sending their children back to school, and the urgent need of working parents to get their children to school and you are sitting on a time bomb that requires decisive leadership from our minister.  This is unfortunately lacking at this stage.

But then again, they also say that the highest trees catch the most wind, and unfortunately for the minister, in this case she is the highest tree around. 

On a positive note,  hats off to every teacher and parent trying to navigate this obstacle course over the next few months and adding value to the lives of our children by creating the safest teaching environment for them possible. 

As they say, It takes a village to raise a child.  Time to be a village.