From California to KZN

Schools in the vicariate of Ingwavuma, a rural region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, face challenges far removed from those of the private schools in the United States. However, these two apparently polar opposite educational facilities are coming together under the guidance and enthusiasm of Bishop José Luis Ponce de León. CLAIRE?MATHIESON?reports.

The vicariate of Ingwavuma was entrusted to the US province of the Order of the Servants of Mary in 1948.

“Last February they celebrated their provincial chapter and, even though I am not a Servite, I was invited to attend and report on our journey in the vicariate,” Argentine-born Bishop José Luis Ponce de León said.

“During the meeting we visited the Servite High School in Anaheim, in California’s Orange County, near Los Angeles. I was very interested in visiting the school as from the time of my arrival in Ingwavuma I had heard about it many times, both from the Servites working in the vicariate and from people working at Star of the Sea High School,” he said.

A relationship between the famous Servite school and the little known vicariate was re-established and today the bishop has high hopes for it to thrive.

Bishop Ponce de León is quick to point out that while the diocese may be lacking in some areas, there are schools that shine above the average South African school. Star of the Sea High School, located in KwaNgwanase, has a tradition of being among the best schools in northern KwaZulu-Natal, with an excellent pass rate.

“We have struggled with personnel as, being so good, they are transferred to other schools. Though it has been a problem for us we know the school has provided excellent teachers to other schools in the area,” explained the bishop.

In 2010, three sisters who studied at the school started a fund to help other students. The fund was called “Cecilia Daliwe Memorial Fund” in memory of their mother who sacrificed much to give them a good education.

“The women are now professionals and want to give back to the community by offering the same opportunities they had, supporting students at Star who need help to go for further studies.”

Despite the positive strides the school continuously makes, Bishop Ponce de León said the school is still regularly the target of crime and ill discipline from some learners.

He said despite being a great education example in the area, there is room for improvement—and in that area the school can learn from foreign counterparts, such as Servite High School in California.

“From the beginning Servite has emphasised developing faith-filled leaders prepared for success in college and life. Servite teaches young men to seek excellence in academics, athletics, the arts and Catholic spirituality. Servite men become leaders in business, medicine, law, non-profit organisations, military and civic service, and in the Church,” Bishop Ponce de León said.

In 2005, Servite High launched a “formation programme” which weaves academics, athletics, activities and spirituality together in a seamless experience that gives graduates a firm foundation for success.

“Servite men are continuously evaluated in terms of their academics, leadership and teamwork, and character and spiritual development. Servite High has one of the most challenging academic programmes in Southern California and often leads Orange County private schools in the number of National Merit scholars,” the bishop said.

Of Servite High’s graduates, 99% go on to college.

The bishop is interested in following the formation programme and deepening it in the vicariate school as the themes of the programme are intended to guide the formation of the learners in any context, both inside and outside of the classroom.

The programme includes learning about faith; the mastery of self which helps learners recognise the gifts that make us who we are reveal the unique vocation we have been given by God as well as centralising Christ in one’s life.

“The other element is what they call the Servite Priory Leadership Programme which is a comprehensive, hands-on leadership experience intended to give students the opportunity to learn and practice leadership through peer accountability and increased responsibility in all components of the student experience,“ said Bishop Ponce de León.

The entire student body is divided into eight priories (a Servite word for a community) of 110-120 students each, freshmen through seniors. Formalising a similar programme in the vicariate would be of great value, he said.

Addressing Servite High learners and teachers, Bishop Ponce de León said: “We have many young people in South Africa, and Star of the Sea has produced very fine people. Our area has been badly hit by HIV, but our youth do not give up and believe they will be able to build a better future for themselves and for their brothers and sisters.

“I’d love to build a bridge that would allow them to tell you their stories, their hopes and joys, struggles and challenges. But I would like you to share with them your own hopes and joys, struggles and challenges because we sometimes believe that here everything is easy and you face no challenges or problems.”

The bishop said it would be a decision not only made by the school’s president and principal but one that needed to include the learners.

“The idea was welcomed and they plan to come to South Africa in 2013,” the bishop told The Southern Cross.

For now, Bishop Ponce de León said, the two schools can bridge the distance through technology such as Skype and Facebook.

“We might be geographically far away but we share the same Servite charism and, even more, the same faith!”

The bishop said the hardships and positive attitudes of the vicariate’s schools could serve as inspiration for the American school.