Gondolikhethwa Christian School: Our sister Christian School in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Langley Christian School has developed an ongoing relationship with Gondolikhethwa Christian School in South Africa since September 2003. The school’s Principal, David Tshishivhiri visited Langley Christian School and presented the opportunity to explore a school-to-school relationship with Langley Christian. Peter Van Huizen, Principal of Langley Christian Middle and High School at the time, agreed to take up the challenge. He and his wife spent two months at the school teaching and assisting in professional development of teachers and developing a library.
Upon his return, the International Connections Committee, drafted plans for ensuring the dream of a sister school could become a reality. The Board adopted this new venture as part of its over-all mission and vision. Peter Van Huizen has remained the program’s administrator and leader.
Today the school has sent eight students to Gondolikethwa (2007 and 2009) and welcomed three students from Gondolikhethwa (2008) to Langley Christian. As well, Assistant Principal Peter Roukema and teacher Laurel Vlieg have accompanied students to the school. The opportunity to spend four weeks living with Venda families and attending school is a cross-cultural experience that is hard to replicate.
Teachers have the added benefit of teaching in a totally new educational system and setting and are expected to lead and offer Professional Development workshops. Students are expected to present lessons to classes and receive instruction from Venda teachers.
Students interested in this program may contact Peter Roukema or Laurel Vlieg at the school. The following vision and educational rationale have been approved by the school.
The School:
Gondolikhethwa is situated in the north of South Africa close to the Zimbabwe border and the N-1 highway. It has six hundred students and twenty-five teachers. Classes begin at Reception (kindergarten) and continue through grade 12. The facilities are in very good shape by South African standards.
Vision for the Program:
· To be a sister school to Gondolikhethwa Christian School.
· To develop teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student relationships
· To develop a unique African, Christian, Cross-cultural experience and insights that will enrich the world-view of all participants.
· To provide a context for service, cultural enrichment, partnerships, stewardship and the outworking of social justice.
Educational Benefits for Students:
· Learn about South African history and in particular the place of the Venda within that story.
· Study the Geography of Limpopo Province and the Bio-diversity of the area including Kruger Park.
· Gain an understanding and appreciation of a new culture as students and staff will be immersed into the lives of individuals, families and community that is quite different from that of North American culture.
· Learn new skills of communication that come with being in a cross-cultural environment.
· Gain new insight into issues pertaining to racial injustice and justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.
· Learn new ways of presenting, viewing and relating to new cultures: Concepts such as culture, an “Incarnational” presence and critical contextualization will begin to take on special meaning.
· Develop a positive attitude with respect to others of a different culture.
· Develop the skills to determine the role world-view plays in culture.
· Learn about schooling in Venda, and Christian education in particular as it is being developed at Gondolikhethwa.
· To learn to speak a new language, TshiVenda.
· To be prepared to present a typical day in the life at Langley Christian School to students at the elementary, middle School, high School. Extra-curricular activities should be included.
· Prepare a lesson that could be taught to students that is age and grade appropriate. The lesson may give snapshots about life in British Columbia, Canada.
Students who have been part of the program: (grade)
2007: Aaron Blackman (11), John La (10) and Gerrit DeVynck (10)
2008: Dakalo Siphuma (11), Mokgale Matlonya (11) and Vhugala Tshigabe (10)
2009: Andrew Martin (12); Melissa DeVries (12); Rebecca Prins (11); Anna Hayashi (10); Luke Bosma (10).
Langley Christian School has developed an ongoing relationship with Gondolikhethwa Christian School in South Africa since September 2003. The school’s Principal, David Tshishivhiri visited Langley Christian School and presented the opportunity to explore a school-to-school relationship with Langley Christian. Peter Van Huizen, Principal of Langley Christian Middle and High School at the time, agreed to take up the challenge. He and his wife spent two months at the school teaching and assisting in professional development of teachers and developing a library.
Upon his return, the International Connections Committee, drafted plans for ensuring the dream of a sister school could become a reality. The Board adopted this new venture as part of its over-all mission and vision. Peter Van Huizen has remained the program’s administrator and leader.
Today the school has sent eight students to Gondolikethwa (2007 and 2009) and welcomed three students from Gondolikhethwa (2008) to Langley Christian. As well, Assistant Principal Peter Roukema and teacher Laurel Vlieg have accompanied students to the school. The opportunity to spend four weeks living with Venda families and attending school is a cross-cultural experience that is hard to replicate.
Teachers have the added benefit of teaching in a totally new educational system and setting and are expected to lead and offer Professional Development workshops. Students are expected to present lessons to classes and receive instruction from Venda teachers.
Students interested in this program may contact Peter Roukema or Laurel Vlieg at the school. The following vision and educational rationale have been approved by the school.
The School:
Gondolikhethwa is situated in the north of South Africa close to the Zimbabwe border and the N-1 highway. It has six hundred students and twenty-five teachers. Classes begin at Reception (kindergarten) and continue through grade 12. The facilities are in very good shape by South African standards.
Vision for the Program:
· To be a sister school to Gondolikhethwa Christian School.
· To develop teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student relationships
· To develop a unique African, Christian, Cross-cultural experience and insights that will enrich the world-view of all participants.
· To provide a context for service, cultural enrichment, partnerships, stewardship and the outworking of social justice.
Educational Benefits for Students:
· Learn about South African history and in particular the place of the Venda within that story.
· Study the Geography of Limpopo Province and the Bio-diversity of the area including Kruger Park.
· Gain an understanding and appreciation of a new culture as students and staff will be immersed into the lives of individuals, families and community that is quite different from that of North American culture.
· Learn new skills of communication that come with being in a cross-cultural environment.
· Gain new insight into issues pertaining to racial injustice and justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.
· Learn new ways of presenting, viewing and relating to new cultures: Concepts such as culture, an “Incarnational” presence and critical contextualization will begin to take on special meaning.
· Develop a positive attitude with respect to others of a different culture.
· Develop the skills to determine the role world-view plays in culture.
· Learn about schooling in Venda, and Christian education in particular as it is being developed at Gondolikhethwa.
· To learn to speak a new language, TshiVenda.
· To be prepared to present a typical day in the life at Langley Christian School to students at the elementary, middle School, high School. Extra-curricular activities should be included.
· Prepare a lesson that could be taught to students that is age and grade appropriate. The lesson may give snapshots about life in British Columbia, Canada.
Students who have been part of the program: (grade)
2007: Aaron Blackman (11), John La (10) and Gerrit DeVynck (10)
2008: Dakalo Siphuma (11), Mokgale Matlonya (11) and Vhugala Tshigabe (10)
2009: Andrew Martin (12); Melissa DeVries (12); Rebecca Prins (11); Anna Hayashi (10); Luke Bosma (10).
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