'n Karakterbouprogram vir verdere onderwys en opleidingskolleges

Abstract

Value and character education possess the inherent building blocks for the preservation of a healthy society. It is the art of life that keeps the environment friendly, free and safe allowing earth's inhabitants to play, to live and to work in peace. Value and character education possess values that remove evil from society and institutions such as schools, colleges, universities, etc. One of the primary aims of value and character education is to allow learners to experience life at its' fullest. The main purpose of this study is the development of an effective character building program for a specific further education and training college. It is obvious from the available literature that society is experiencing a crisis regarding values, character and morality. The decline of human and societal values portrayed in the media has compelled the current government to initiate a value educational program in schools. The values of the government however, are focused on nation building, democracy and human rights with the purpose of overcoming the inequalities and injustices of the apartheid system. However, the inhabitants of South Africa seek more than aspects based on democracy, nation building and human rights. They seek values that promote moral behaviour, values of work ethics and values that are aimed at developing their full potential. Value and character education could probably ensure the provision of a successful life and future for today's youth. The researcher has therefore investigated and analysed the precise meanings of the following terms: values, norms, principles, standards, ethics, character education, values education. Various character educational programs that succeeded in oversees countries were also studied. Focus was also given to educational guidelines including principles, outcomes and promising practices that the lecturer could use in the classroom to stimulate the students and to promote character education. To determine what the present value orientation of the students are, a questionnaire was compiled for further education and training colleges in the North-West Province. To ascertain the opinions and contributions of values education and character education, semi-structured interviews were held with the student council, the head of the support services and an official of the student support services. The overall aim of the study is: To create a character-building program for further education and training colleges after establishing the value orientation of the students. This empirical research has pointed out specific problem areas and has shown that it is not only essential but also urgent to implement a value and character educational program for further education and training colleges. Guidelines for such a program have been set on the basis of this study.