South Africa is a diverse society. It is rich in different cultures, belief and value systems. Individually, cultural literacy helps you interact with other people from different cultural backgrounds. It helps better the understanding of other cultural beliefs, norms and strong heritage. It is important is an individual to be culturally literate, as it develops the associated skills such as communication and self-reflection.
The positive contribution of cultural literacy to the society is it increases equality and reduces prejudice based on culture. The value placed on diversity and participation in social practises of the society also increases.
South Africa had a different educational system for different ethnic groups. The education system then changed and public schools in South Africa were opened to all learners. The opening of all schools to all cultures marked the official start of multicultural education in South Africa. This meant that all leaners from different cultural groups could be placed in one learning environment.
The role educators now play within a multicultural South African educational system is very crucial. Multicultural education accommodates students from different cultural backgrounds, with different beliefs, traditions and behaviours. In multicultural societies, educators are faced with the challenge of teaching culturally diverse classes. Educators have a duty to make learners aware of their different cultures in school so that they can know and understand each other better.The important role educators have to play is to bridge possible cultural existing gaps that may exist. Educators need to acquire knowledge of different cultures, and different methods and resources for obtaining such knowledge. For example arranging workshops, having discussions in class, etc.
The responsibility does not only lie on the educators but also on the learners themselves. Learners have to learn to respect and communicate with each other, to be tolerant and work well together.
References
- Restoring dignity for refugees who are LGBTQI+ in South Africa – UNHCR
- South Africa – Foreign Policy
- Culture of South Africa – EveryCulture.com
- Cultural Literacy and Mental Health: Culture, Migration, and Mental Health
- Refugees in South Africa – Migration DRC
- How South Africa’s prejudices changed after apartheid – The Conversation
