The controversial oath

[nairiporter]

Mixed reactions to proposed school oath

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/education/0,2172,164114,00.html

Some believe the oath will not change learners' behaviour at schools

February 13, 2008, 17:00

There has been huge reaction to the proposed school pledge released by Education Minister Naledi Pandor yesterday.

The pledge aims to recognise the injustices of the past and those who fought for freedom. It talks of respect, dignity and upholding the values of the constitution.

While some people want the wording changed, issue has also been taken with the need for a pledge.

“It can be reduced to ritual and be meaningless and it’s absolutely contrary to what I believe education should be doing - route learning - saying it every morning,” says Wits Education professor, Mary Metcalfe.

A willingness to embrace the pledge has, meanwhile, come from surprising quarters. The AfrikanerBond says it could be a foundation to build and maintain values and norms. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) agrees with the group.

HRC chairperson Jody Kollapen says: “Given the importance of schools as an institution that can advance tolerance… understanding of what diversity means… fidelity to the constitution, and what we seek as a society… I think there's a lot of potential that this pledge can take this forward.”

Comments

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

While its true that such an oath could teach the kids more tolerance, the threat that this could be perverted into another tool of political propaganda is very real.