FOCUS 2019:
Integrating cultures
through language learning
When Nelson Mandela was asked why he was learning Afrikaans, he responded:
‘If you speak to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head. If you
speak to him in his own language, it goes to his heart.’
Curro is proud to announce the implementation of African languages in all Curro, Curro Select,
Meridian and Academy Schools through means of the Abuti Syllabus™ in the foundation phase
and expanding to the intermediate phase soon. Ten schools have purchased the programme so far.
The purpose is to develop a conversational competency for those who do not speak an
African language. Schools can choose whether they want to offer the chosen African language
on a first additional level or conversational level. When offered on conversational level,
learners are not assessed on their progress for marks contributing to the term mark. The
ability to speak an African language will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the future of each learner
participating in this programme.
The Abuti Syllabus™ combines animations, songs, stories and workbook activities to make the learning fun and easy. The
teacher’s guide with laid out lessons also includes help sections and suggestions on how to present the class. Therefore,
teachers don’t require prior knowledge of the language; learners and teachers will learn the language together by using the
fun activities, rhymes and songs. Furthermore, the Abuti team are continuously updating and adding additional material to
enhance the programme, thereby ensuring that the material is applicable to the current South African environment.
Abuti Syllabus™ products are available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi and Sesotho. They combine learning styles
such as total physical response, project-based learning and creativity to provide each learner with the opportunity to learn
the language while having fun.
‘I
love the
actions and shaking
‘I like doing all
Testimonials from learners
hands with my friends
the actions that we
Question: What do you like
to tell them what my
do with the words and
about learning isiZulu?
name is. My favourite part
the way we have to say
is learning new words
the words, because they
that I have never heard
sound different.’ –
before.’ – Warona
Khanya Mchunu
Maiketso
‘I
‘I like that I
like doing
get to practise it by
the actions
talking to my friends
with the words.’
and
hearing how they
– Skyler
sound when they speak it
Stewart
as well. I liked seeing the
doll as well, it feels very
Testimonial from a teacher
smooth.’ – Elijah
Naidoo
‘The Abuti programme is fun and the children enjoy the interaction.
Our kids are having fun with their teachers
learning an African language!
The music is great and the children enjoy listening to the “voice”. We
currently have a competition to find an isiZulu name for our doll.
Learners are all excited about the activities … we are also considering
dressing him and letting the children use other puppets to interact.’
8
Visit the Abuti Syllabus™ website at
www.abutisyllabus.com for more information.
CURRO IN THE CLASSROOM | FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE WORLD | WWW.CURRO.CO.ZA