Anisha Garib (2025)

Anisha Garib is an experienced educator, writer, and advocate for holistic and inclusive education. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, she has dedicated her career to developing innovative teaching methods that cater to diverse learners, emphasizing the importance of learning through play and integrated developmental approaches. Career Highlights:
• Educator and Consultant: With years of hands-on te

aching experience, Anisha specialises in creating age-appropriate, culturally sensitive educational materials for foundation and intermediate phase learners. She has worked extensively to align her teaching methods with South Africa’s CAPS curriculum while ensuring engagement and accessibility for students with varying needs.
• Holistic Education Advocate: As a LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Ambassador, Anisha promotes the integration of play-based learning to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development in young learners. Her work emphasises practical, low-cost educational solutions for under-resourced communities.
• Writer and Curriculum Developer: Anisha has authored numerous educational guides, exam preparation materials, and study aids tailored to South African learners. Her writing reflects her deep understanding of the challenges faced by students, parents, and educators in the country’s dynamic education system.
• Community Outreach: Through her organisations, InspirED Africa, and Bricks without Borders, Anisha provides consultancy services and workshops for educators and parents. Her initiatives include introducing integrated learning techniques, addressing childhood developmental challenges, and advocating for equitable education opportunities. Areas of Expertise:
• Curriculum development
• Writing engaging educational content
• Techniques for holistic child development
• Simplified, practical nutritional advice to support cognitive growth
• Community-focused educational outreach
Published Works:
Anisha’s work has been featured in newspapers, online platforms, and community newsletters. Her writing is celebrated for its conversational tone, accessibility, and cultural relevance. She has also developed resources targeting parents in informal settlements, focusing on empowering them to take an active role in their children’s education. Vision:
Anisha is passionate about making education a transformative tool for every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Her ultimate goal is to inspire systemic change in South Africa’s education sector by bridging the gap between research-based methods and practical, real-world applications. For media inquiries or column opportunities, contact:
• Email: garib.anisha@gmail.com

14/05/2025

Gatekeeping, VOC Edition: 5 Ways to Get Fined in 1740 for Prag en Praal

In 18th-century Cape Town, the Dutch authorities passed prag- en weeldewette: laws to control how people dressed, travelled, and hosted events. Not because of morality. Because of hierarchy.

Here are five things you could be fined for: (Like actually totally for real)

Wearing silk, lace or velvet.
Only allowed if your husband held VOC rank. Everyone else had to settle for modest fabrics.

A fancy carriage
Gold trim, a coat of arms, or too many horses? Not allowed unless you were at the top of the VOC food chain.

Jewellery over a certain value
Pearls and diamonds had spending limits based on status. Even parasols were restricted.

Shoes on slaves
Enslaved men were banned from wearing shoes. Hats too, unless they passed a Dutch language test. (what??)

Well-dressed free Black women
Silks, lace, and even costume jewellery were banned — because they dressed “too well” for their place.

These weren’t small rules. They were part of a system built to show who mattered — and who didn’t.

The fact that they were policing bonnets and umbrellas says a lot.

08/05/2025

What Is a Roblox Condo Game — And Why It Matters (Even If Your Child Isn’t on Roblox)
Predators go where the kids are. Whether it’s Roblox, TikTok, Discord — or even just a backyard game of hide-and-seek — anywhere children gather unsupervised, someone will eventually try to cross a line.
One digital example of this is the rise of “condo games” on Roblox. These are user-created experiences that intentionally bypass moderation filters to include explicit avatars, sexually suggestive content, and inappropriate chat features. They’re often disguised as innocent games and shared through private Discord servers or invite-only links. Once found, they are swiftly removed — but new ones appear every day.
Let’s pause right there and ask:
• If the content was harmless, why would it need to be hidden?
• If the people involved had nothing to hide, why sneak it into a children’s game?
These games are not just digital mischief. They are calculated efforts to exploit loopholes in safety systems. And that’s your warning flag — not just for Roblox, but for anywhere your child socialises online or off.
Why You Need to Know
This could happen at a sleepover. At school. Through WhatsApp. Or, while playing Roblox.
Predators often create secret “games” that feel special, rebellious, or just private — the perfect hook for curious tweens who don’t yet have a strong sense of digital boundaries. Children might not recognise something as inappropriate until they’re already involved. By then, the damage may already be done.
And this is why it’s not just about Roblox. It’s about digital awareness, supervision, and trust.
Signs Your Child May Be Involved in a “Secret Game” (Online or Off)
• Suddenly closing screens when you walk by
• Refusing to explain what a game or app is about
• Acting anxious, withdrawn, or overly defensive after playing
• Using slang, usernames, or apps they can’t explain
• Hiding devices at night or refusing to share passwords (for younger children, this should not be optional)
• Talking about “special” friends or games that only certain people can access
Teach Your Child to Ask Themselves:
• Why does this person want me to keep this a secret?
• Why are they asking me to break the rules?
• If this is just for fun, why can’t I talk about it in public or with my parents?
Teach Yourself to Ask:
• Am I talking with my child about their online life, or just talking at them?
• Do I know what games, apps, and chat platforms they use?
• Have I created a space where my child can share uncomfortable things — without fear of punishment or shame?

What You Can Do Now
• Join the games: Ask your child to show you what they play. Play with them. Watch how the platform works.
• Check privacy settings: On Roblox, enable parental controls, restrict chat, and limit who can send messages or friend requests.
• Monitor app usage: Look for unfamiliar apps or secret accounts. Ask questions without accusation.
• Talk often, not just when things go wrong: Normalize conversations about digital safety the way you would about crossing the street.
• Be clear about non-negotiables: Young children should not have unsupervised access to anonymous chat platforms or private links.
Final Word: Be Present, Not Paranoid
You don’t need to know every meme, app feature, or game mode your child is into. What they really need is you — present, consistent, and in their corner.
We don’t protect kids by banning every platform. We protect them by raising children who:
• Know when something feels wrong
• Trust their instincts
• And trust us enough to say something
This isn’t a call to panic. It’s a call to pay attention.

25/04/2025

Here’s the truth: your child’s brain is not being “fried.”
It is being overstimulated by design — by notifications, chaotic feeds, and unfiltered content. That is a real concern. But it is also manageable.

Try this:
🔕 Turn off notifications. All of them.
📞 Leave only emergency calls from family.
🧠 Then re-engage — not just with screen time, but with your child.

🎮 Play Roblox with them.
🎨 Let them design their avatar outfits.
🧑‍🏫 Let them teach you the game.

You will be amazed at how many conversations start when you meet them in their world.

Here is something that needs to be said:
Not engaging with your child in digital spaces?
That can start to look a lot like neglect.

Children need their parents to care enough to show up — not just at school concerts, but in comment sections, gaming chats, and even TikTok reactions.

My own mum Sue Weistra Garib, and her husband consistently engage with my content online — and it means the world.
It shows that they are interested in my life. That they see me. That they care.

It is not stalking.
It is love with effort.

Let us stop calling children “addicted” when what they really are is unaccompanied.

Let us stop banning and start building the kind of digital homes we want our children to grow up in.
Let us stop outsourcing supervision to apps and algorithms.

Because time, attention, and trusted adult interaction will always matter more than any app ever will.

20/12/2024

🌐 Balancing Social Media and Real-World Interaction for Kids 🌍

In today’s digital age, social media is an integral part of how we communicate, learn, and engage with the world. While I understand the concerns around children’s online safety, I believe banning social media for kids is not the answer. Instead, we should focus on responsible and guided use.

🔑 Here’s what I think:

Parents and caregivers should closely monitor online activities to ensure kids are safe and making good choices.
Social media, when used appropriately, is a valuable tool for learning digital literacy, building connections, and exploring creativity.
Setting healthy time limits and encouraging real-world interactions can help children balance their online and offline lives.
Banning these platforms altogether deprives kids of the opportunity to learn how to navigate the digital world responsibly.
Our role as adults is to teach them how to use these tools wisely—not to shield them from the inevitable. Let’s advocate for education, guidance, and boundaries instead of outright bans. 🌟

What do you think? Let’s discuss! 💬

11/12/2024

# # # How to Start Homeschooling in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for parents in South Africa who wish to begin homeschooling their children. It covers legal requirements, curriculum options, record-keeping, and resources to help you get started.

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# # 1. Understand the Legal Framework

# # # Key Legislation
- **South African Schools Act (No. 84 of 1996):** This law requires parents to register their children for home education with the Provincial Department of Education if they are of compulsory school-going age (usually from 7 to 15 years old, Grades 1–9).

# # # Legal Requirements
- Your home education program must meet or exceed the standard of public education.
- You must register your child with the Provincial Department of Education.
- While Grade R is not compulsory, registration is advised if you start homeschooling early.

---

# # 2. Steps to Register with the Provincial Education Department

1. **Contact Your Provincial Department:**
Locate your province’s education department and request the latest home education registration forms and guidelines.
- **Eastern Cape:** [eceducation.gov.za](https://www.eceducation.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)40 608 4300
- **Free State:** [fseducation.gov.za](https://www.fseducation.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)51 404 8000
- **Gauteng:** [education.gauteng.gov.za](https://www.education.gauteng.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)11 355 0000
- **KwaZulu-Natal:** [kzneducation.gov.za](https://www.kzneducation.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)33 846 5000
- **Limpopo:** [edu.limpopo.gov.za](https://www.edu.limpopo.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)15 290 7600
- **Mpumalanga:** [mpumalanga.gov.za/education](https://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/education) | Phone: +27 (0)13 766 5555
- **Northern Cape:** [ncdoe.ncpg.gov.za](https://www.ncdoe.ncpg.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)53 839 6500
- **North West:** [desd.nwpg.gov.za](https://www.desd.nwpg.gov.za) | Phone: +27 (0)18 388 3700
- **Western Cape:** [westerncape.gov.za](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education) | Phone: +27 (0)21 467 2000

2. **Obtain and Complete the Registration Form:**
- Include the child’s details, your chosen curriculum, and your teaching methodology.
- Attach required documents such as:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parent’s ID
- Curriculum outline
- Proposed weekly schedule

3. **Submit the Form:**
- Submit your application online (if applicable) or via email, fax, or post to your provincial office.

4. **Await Confirmation:**
- The department may request additional information before approval.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation letter for your home education registration.

---

# # 3. Choosing a Curriculum

# # # Curriculum Requirements
- South Africa’s public schools follow the **CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements)**. Many homeschooling families choose CAPS-compliant curricula or international equivalents.

# # # Options
1. **CAPS-Aligned Providers:**
- Impaq ([www.impaq.co.za](https://www.impaq.co.za))
- Clonard Education ([www.clonard.co.za](https://www.clonard.co.za))
- Brainline ([www.brainline.com](https://www.brainline.com))

2. **International Curricula:**
- Cambridge ([www.cambridgeinternational.org](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org))
- Montessori ([www.montessori.org](https://www.montessori.org))

3. **DIY Approach:**
- Some parents design their own curriculum using online resources, library materials, and CAPS guidelines from the Department of Basic Education ([education.gov.za](https://www.education.gov.za)).

---

# # 4. Day-to-Day Record Keeping

# # # Why Keep Records?
- To track progress and ensure compliance with education standards.
- To present evidence of education quality if requested by authorities.

# # # Essential Records:
1. **Attendance Register:** Record daily lessons.
2. **Lesson Plans:** Maintain weekly or monthly plans.
3. **Assessment Results:** Keep test results and progress reports.
4. **Portfolios:** Collect samples of work to show progress over time.
5. **Resource Lists:** Document books, websites, and other materials used.

---

# # 5. Legal Support and Advocacy

# # # The Pestalozzi Trust
The Pestalozzi Trust provides legal defense and advocacy for homeschoolers in South Africa.

- **Membership Benefits:**
- Legal assistance if you face disputes with authorities.
- Guidance on policy and legislative updates.

- **Contact Details:**
- Website: [www.pestalozzi.org](https://www.pestalozzi.org)
- Email: info@pestalozzi.org
- Phone: +27 (0)12 330 1337

---

# # 6. Assessment and Progress Monitoring

# # # Informal Assessments
- Use worksheets, quizzes, and projects to evaluate progress.
- Create quarterly reports to track achievements and identify areas for improvement.

# # # Standardized Tests
- Optional but useful for benchmarking against national or international standards.

---

# # 7. Socialization and Support Groups

# # # Local and Online Communities
- Join homeschooling groups on Facebook or WhatsApp for advice and resources.
- Look for co-op classes or activities in your area to help children socialize.

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# # 8. Summary Checklist

1. Understand the legal requirements and register with your Provincial Education Department.
2. Choose a curriculum that fits your child’s needs and aligns with CAPS standards (if preferred).
3. Set up a record-keeping system for attendance, lesson plans, and assessments.
4. Join the Pestalozzi Trust for legal support and guidance.
5. Stay connected with homeschooling networks for resources and community.

---

**Homeschooling can be a rewarding journey for both parents and children. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to provide a quality education at home while meeting South Africa’s legal and educational standards.**

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