NKOSIYETHU PRIMARY SCHOOL

Nkosiyethu School is in the rural village of Nongoma.

This is the beautiful countryside one travels through on the way to the school.

One often sees rondavels (round houses) in the rural areas of South Africa. The people live in these houses. The roofs are made of thatch which is a type of dried grass.

This sign welcomes everyone to Nongoma.

The main road of the village of Nongoma is a very busy place.

Sr. Dorothy, the principal, welcomes you to Nkosiyethu School. There are 700 learners in Grades 1 through 7.

This is the main building of the school.

The other two school buildings are across from the main building.

This view is from the back of the school looking toward the village.

These learners in Grade 2 through Grade 7 were very anxious to have their pictures taken and sent to their most generous friends in the Diocese of Toledo.

In most schools in South Africa, learners share desks. Usually three or four or even more children share a desk.

Children in all schools in South Africa wear school uniforms. They are very proud of their uniforms.

The students of Nkosiyethu would like to share with you some traditional Zulu greetings: Hello - Sawubona (singular); Sanibona (plural)

How are you? –Unjani?

Here are two pictures of the Grade 1 classroom. There are 124 students in this one room. There is no space for desks, only benches on which the learners sit. The Grade 2 classroom is also very crowded.

These learners are enjoying a break from their studies. Sr. Dorothy joins them.

These preschool children enjoy school. Their classroom is the very small building behind them.

130 of the learners board at the school. They go home once a term and for all school holidays. Here are pictures of the dormitories where the children sleep while at school.

The boarders wash their clothes by hand. These school uniforms will dry quickly in the hot African sun.

This is the kitchen were the meals for the boarders are prepared.