My GCGO is Education

My GCGO is Education. The current education system in South Africa, specifically the
lack of practical application and engagement in classrooms, fails to equip students
for life after school, leading to limited opportunities and negative consequences. The
primary stakeholders affected by this problem are the school students. A persona of
said group would be an average-performing student called Sibusiso, a teenage boy
who lives in an average township. Sibusiso goes to the local high school.

Sibusiso’s parents are rarely at home as they go to work, and when they are home
they are tired and unable to assist him with his schoolwork. So Sibusiso goes to
school daily, and he experiences a lack of interest and engagement in classes,
leading to a diminished sense of purpose and fulfilment. He finds it challenging to
understand the importance of their studies because the curriculum contains few
instances of practical application, which creates a sense of disconnect and
boredom. But at the end of his schooling career, he passes as he was able to recall
what was in the textbook even if he couldn’t understand the concepts.

Sibusiso decides against pursuing tertiary education due to his negative school
experiences, believing that he will not perform well. In the following year, Sibusiso
finds employment as a warehouse worker and some glaring problems pop up. Due to
the limited exposure to practical application and critical thinking in the education
system, Sibusiso finds it difficult to work effectively in teams and adapt to different
working environments. His employer believes he is unfit for employment due to his
inability to cope under pressure and collaborate with others, which is impeding his
ability to make a meaningful contribution to the company.

The rejection from his employer not only affects Sibusiso's professional life but also
has an intense influence on his mental and emotional state. He displays depressive
symptoms such as ongoing sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, lack of energy, and
thoughts of worthlessness. He struggles to find inspiration or to see a path forward
because of the ongoing negative thoughts and self-doubt.

In conclusion, Sibusiso and other pupils suffer because of South Africa's inefficient
educational system. It restricts their ability to advance personally, professionally, and
generally in life. Lack of involvement, support, and practical application leads to poor
mental health, a lack of employability, and trouble adjusting to problems in the real
world. Beyond just the individual pupils, the effects also have an impact on the
overall social and economic advancement of the nation.