In recent discussions on “Siyokhala Ezaleni,” the focus was on the unique experiences of “umntwana ombethe” (spiritual children) in the educational system. The conversation delved into the challenges these children face, the importance of acknowledging their spirituality, and the need for a more inclusive approach in schools.
“Umntwana ombethe” refers to a child who identifies as spiritual, bringing a distinct set of challenges that may not always be well-understood in conventional educational settings. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of recognizing this aspect as a basic human right for these children.
One of the key issues discussed was the potential clash of spirits when a teacher, unaware of their own spiritual inclinations, interacts with a “umntwana ozelwe embethe.” This lack of understanding can lead to conflicts and contribute to problems such as bullying, gender-based violence (GBV), and general violence in schools.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the Department of Education has taken a significant step by establishing a commission to conduct research. This commission, composed of a diverse group including healers and social workers, aims to delve into the challenges faced by spiritual children, particularly in regions like KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape.
Though the department has tentatively linked these challenges to ancestral issues, the root cause is yet to be determined. The hope is that the insights gained from the commission’s research will contribute to a more informed approach to addressing these issues within the educational environment.
Songuni, recognizing the importance of community involvement, advises parents to be closer to their children. Parents are encouraged to guide their children on how to navigate their spirituality while at school and provide coping mechanisms. It was emphasized that some children, if not properly guided, may be wrongly advised to undergo initiation, potentially leading to dropping out of school. In the modern world, being uneducated can limit opportunities, and Songuni aims to dispel the misconception of initiating young children. If not properly guided spiritually, these children may sometimes turn to drug use and end up standing on street corners, and out of school which will then make them more vulnerable and marginalized.
This initiative marks a significant step toward creating an educational system that respects and accommodates the diverse spiritual backgrounds of its students, ensuring a nurturing environment for all. You can listen to the whole programme below.
