EduCare

Educators play an important role in the lives of our children as their task is not only to impart knowledge, but also to support, inspire and be a positive role model. However, there are many educators in South Africa who are not able to adequately fulfill this role due to the stresses and pressures of the context in which they work. Overcrowded and under resourced schools located in communities with problems such as poverty, crime, substance abuse and ill health, results in many additional challenges for our teachers. Given the overwhelming needs of learners, especially in (but not limited to) under resourced schools, educators often have to assume the role of various professionals for which they did not receive any formal training (for example, counsellors, social workers, advisors, etc.). The nature of the work and the roles of educators have therefore changed dramatically in response to the impact of, and challenges posed by HIV and Aids, poverty, crime, unemployment, etc. The teaching experience of educators has changed drastically over the last two decades in that educators have become affected by their colleagues, learners and/or family members. There is a great need for them to be better supported to deal with this situation. Educators have described their plight a “overworked, underpaid and inadequately resourced.”

Educator stress and burnout have received recognition as a widespread problem and global concern in recent years. Burnout and eventual ill-health result from high levels of stress due to overload, inordinate time demands, inadequate collegial relationships, large class sizes, lack of resources, isolation, fear of violence, role ambiguity, limited promotion opportunities, little involvement in decision-making, learner behavioral problems, insufficient financial support, pressure from external parties (e.g. unions, education departments and school governing bodies), lack of community support, poor image of the profession and role ambiguity.