When the Chalk is Down
The book is a factual account of a period in the life of the author, written as a narrative so as to appeal to the wider reading community. The names of the majority of the characters have been retained.
The writing has been adopted as an item of study in the field of living educational theory. This website is therefore intended to both promote the book as well as to create a conduit for the discussion whereby information can be collated for use in the study. Your inputs to the topics for discussion would surely be extremely educational and is thus requested. Please use the feedback sheet for submissions.
The website provides some background to the writing. A few people have read the final draft and some of their reviews have been published on this site. Please feel free to read these reviews and to submit comments that you feel would complement the messages in this writing as well as what thoughts these reviews have brought to mind
Published Papers
The book forms part of the following educational papers published internationally,
- How do I contribute to enhancing the flow of values that carry hope for humanity in personal, professional, local and global contexts and generate educational knowledge? (Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge: 6th November 2010)
- As an Educator and Educational Researcher, How Do I Improve What I Am Doing and Contribute to Educational Theories That Carry Hope for the Future of Humanity? (Liverpool Hope University, UK: inquiry in education: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 2)
- Jack Whitehead’s 2011 Mandela Day Lecture at Durban University of Technology (Durban University of Technology, 18th July 2011)
MESSAGE FOR LAUNCH : SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 2010
That BP would one day write his memoirs – no, more than that – would write about a journey which he so rightly calls an “Odyssey” was no surprise to me. Our first interaction was in 1994 at Foresthaven Secondary, in a year when the political landscape changed in a most significant way! BP’s energy, enthusiasm and his progressive and insightful leadership in Teacher Unionism were palpable. His frequent questioning and pursuit after justice (in partnership with Elvis Padayachee) about matters affecting his colleagues, pupils and community were well known.
We need not be reminded here that BP must have spent many a long day and night in capturing the poignant realities of events which affected him profoundly – the struggles of his family with the TTB and his fight for fair play in professional matters. To have come to the stage of final print and the launch of his book is a tribute to his creativity, resilience and industry. I am delighted and thankful to be afforded the opportunity to read and share in his truths – whether distressing or sad, happy or triumphant- but certainly touching and affecting!
Unfortunately for my wife and me, we will not be able to attend the launch as will be abroad at the time, but we take this opportunity of wishing BP every success with his creative pursuits, now and always.
“When The Chalk Is Down”..? Maybe, but for the BP I know, the Pen will not be down … may you be inspired to keep on writing.
Regards and Best Wishes
Devraj Appalraju
Principal
Foresthaven Secondary (1994 – 1995)
