Culture and Dale College

Cultural activities are often laughed off as those activities that ‘sissies’, ‘cop-outs’ and ‘dandies’ do. In any boys’ school dominated by a ‘sporting culture’ it is quite difficult to instil an appreciation of and love for the more refined aspects of life. What is sometimes forgotten is that in order to be a ‘whole’ person, all aspects of development should be fortified, including cultural facets.

Culture is what truly defines an individual. It is the way he sings, what he eats, his mother tongue, the literature produced by his culture, the religion he adheres to. It is a definite link to his roots.

At Dale College we currently have a predominating Xhosa culture. Other cultures are represented, such as the Afrikaans, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Russian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Nigerian and British culture. The idea is to break down barriers and prejudices amongst learners – something that is done through participation in cultural activities. In addition to attempting to overcome barriers between societies, learners also have to familiarise themselves with at least three languages at Dale College. Maybe it is a good idea to remember this: every time you learn to speak a new language, you are born into a new world.

Often cultures are defined by a single aspect: excellent cuisine is associated with France, outstanding mechanical perfection with the Germans, delicious pasta and elegance of design with the Italians, multilingualism with the Dutch and hard work with the Chinese. We are, in a way, what our culture is. Who can imagine a South African without his sunshine and braaivleis?

 To summarise: Our purpose is to expose learners to cultural skills. In this manner we hope to develop our learners holistically, as individuals who can hold their own in this demanding global village, but still maintain their own cultural identity.

The following cultural activities are offered at Dale College:

Chess:  Mr V. Abrahams

Choir:  Mrs. N. Madondile

Dalian Dispatch: Mr. V. Ponono

Debating:  Mrs. L. De Klerk

Drama:  Mr. F. Human and Mr C. Louw

First Aid:  Mr. B. Cloete

Interact:  Mr. M. Eddy

Junior Town Council: Mr. M. Eddy

Poetry:  Mr. Q. Hogge

SCA:  Mrs. B. Okecha