VOICED: Refugee children find welcome in South African school

The Three to Six Project in Johannesburg provides education to refugee children from Africa. It operates from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, offering English and math lessons. Ivan, a refugee from Rwanda, and Grace, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, share their stories of seeking education and safety in South Africa. The project is funded by foreign donors, facing challenges due to xenophobia and funding difficulties. Despite these obstacles, it aims to integrate children into normal classrooms, giving them a chance for a better future.

What is the primary objective of the three to six project at the Johannesburg school?

• To train teachers in modern teaching methods

• To offer basic education and meals to refugee children

• To provide advanced education to local children

• To integrate technology in classrooms

Why do many of the teachers at the school share similar backgrounds with the students?

• They are hired from local communities

• They are volunteers from international organizations

• They are exchange students from other countries

• They are also refugees and often political exiles

What event caused Grace to flee from the Democratic Republic of Congo?

• Conflict between the army and rebels

• Economic hardship

• A family dispute

• A natural disaster

What is a significant challenge faced by the three to six project in terms of funding?

• Lack of interest from international donors

• High operational costs

• Difficulty in obtaining funds from South African sources

• Limited number of students

What is a common issue faced by students when transitioning to normal classrooms?

• Lack of transportation

• Language barriers

• Inadequate teaching materials

• Reluctance of schools to accept children with complex backgrounds