A Centre of Blessings: Rural Education in South Africa

An introduction to the rural education outreach of South Africa's Roman Catholic Church.

Materials

Videos:

Program Thirteen: A Centre of Blessings: Rural Education in South Africa

Website:

Magazine:

  • Missions Today (the magazine published by the Propagation of the Faith/English Canadian Branch. Online version.

 

Study Guide

Goal

The goal of Program Thirteen is to introduce students to a variety of programs within the South African Church to provide education to people living in the country's rural areas. Interviews with Port Elizabeth's Bishop Michael Coleman, Sisters Breda Ryan and Martha O'Connor and others.

Steps

1. Show the internet TV DVD Program Thirteen: A Centre of Blessings: Rural Education in South Africa

2. Ask students to form small groups to describe the following:

  • Describe some aspects of the Church's efforts to provide
    education in the rural parts of the country.
  • What is your favourite comment from South Africa's Church leaders with regard to how they are trying to help people get an education.
  • What can the Canadian Church learn from the South African
    Church when it comes to helping people get an education?
  • Give three reasons why Canadian Catholics should support the work of the Church in South Africa.

3. Option for Take-Home Assignment

Via the Internet find more facts about:

  • The Church in South Africa and how its population fits into the overall religious character of the country.
  • Describe how students can help Propagation of the Faith support Catholics and their work in South Africa.
  • Locate all the dioceses and archdiocese of the South African Catholic Church on a map of South Africa

In groups, make presentations to the class about any or all of the above.