How Apartheid and US Government Have Deprived Children of Quality Education
Start writing a post
Education

How Apartheid And The U.S. Government Have Deprived Children Of Quality Education

A perspective on the striking similarity between past Apartheid and current U.S. education policies in regards to access to education.

72
Physical Map of World, Childrens' hands
Capri23auto (Pixabay)

When visiting the Hector Pieterson Museum, which explains the history of the Soweto Student Uprisings in 1976, and walking the trail the Black students walked protesting Afrikaans in their schools, I learned about the importance of education, especially in how it affects the success of students. To elaborate, the Afrikaans Medium Decree passed in 1974 mandated that all students in Black schools in White areas were to be taught their school subjects in English and Afrikaans (50-50 basis). While science and practical subjects would be taught in English, Science, Arithmetic, and Mathematics would be taught in Afrikaans (Boddy-Evans). As I read in the museum, this was an outrage to the teachers and the students, as many of the teachers did not speak Afrikaans, and the students could not understand Afrikaans. This change, as a result, caused many Black students to fail their matric exams, preventing them from graduating, and therefore hindering their success. This, in effect, was the main motivator in the Soweto Student Uprisings and demonstrates how important education policy is, especially when it affects the future of students.

This experience at the museum in Soweto reminded me of the recent news that the U.S. will now cancel English classes, as well as extracurricular activities, for migrant children in detention centers along the U.S. southern border, due to funding purposes (Jordan). This irritated me extremely, as not only does this unconstitutional policy decision prevent these children from receiving quality education, especially with English, but it also drastically affects the future of these children. This also violates the Flores Settlement (1997), which set the standard for the treatment of migrant children (Jordan). Furthermore, as English is one of the main and important languages that is spoken around the world, it would be most beneficial for the migrant children to learn the language; taking this previously-existing opportunity only detriments their economic opportunities. Therefore, this reminded me of my visit to the Hector Pieterson museum and walk along the path because of how, in both cases, the national government implemented policy that deprived children of vulnerable populations from receiving a quality and fair education, which directly impacts their knowledge, as well as economic opportunities they will have in life.

References

Boddy-Evans, Alistair. "The Afrikaans Medium Decree." ThoughtCo, DotDash, 1 Mar. 2019, www.thoughtco.com/the-afrikaans-medium-decree-43416.

Jordan, Miriam. "Migrant Children May Lose School, Sports and Legal Aid as Shelters Swell." The New York Times, 5 June 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/06/05/us/migrant-children-services.html.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

931894
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

107403
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

49341
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments