Project description
The primary school is for San children (the 'Bush people' in Botswana) quite a challenge. Because they speak their own language, they cannot follow education in the national language very well. The Kaikagu preschool prepares Sanpeuters for primary school. The teachers do this by speaking the national language and getting the toddlers used to going to school. This way, a Sankind can start primary school full of confidence!
Why this project?
The San (bush people) are a minority group in Botswana. They are not always treated with respect by others. Moreover, the San speak their own language instead of the national language, Tswana. As a result, when a San child goes to school, he or she starts at a disadvantage. Kaikagu tackles this problem effectively. A year before the children have to go to regular school, they are welcomed at the preschool. By playing and singing with the teachers in Tswana, the toddlers learn the national language. In this way, they (partly) catch up. Simple, but effective.
Impact
Children who understand the national language do better in regular primary school and are less likely to drop out due to boredom. In addition, the children who attended the preschool have a head start because they already learned what it is like to sit in a circle, listen to the teacher and work together. A San child who attended preschool thus has a better chance of succeeding in mainstream education.
What can we learn?
Kaikagu charges a small financial fee from the parents of toddlers attending the school. Often, parents cannot raise that money. Fortunately, there is always another way for parents to contribute to the school. For instance, by maintaining the school garden or by 'donating' time and energy in another way. It remains a challenge to keep parents involved in the school.
