Striving for the 'goal of true education'
By Alwyn Visagie
It was Martin Luther King who said, ‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.’ Through the ages, Livingstone High School has had many teachers who firmly believed in this educational philosophy and inspired their students to ‘think intensively and to think critically’ One such teacher is the late Harvey Trevor Hendricks.
Harvey Hendricks attended Livingstone as a student and credited R.O Dudley, in particular, for shaping his thoughts and beliefs and inspiring him to become a teacher at his alma mater. He matriculated in 1973 and after getting his degree at the University of Cape Town, he began teaching at Livingstone in 1981. In the 18 years of teaching mathematics and history at the school, he proved to be immensely influential and inspirational. Students who passed through his hands said ‘Mr Hendricks taught us more history than what was in the textbooks. His passion [for the subject and for teaching] was gripping’ (Jill Jeftha). ‘My favourite teacher during my time at Livingstone High was Harvey Hendricks. He had the ability to make kids WANT to learn more [and was very] proactive in his method’ (Zaahir Parker), Lynn Layman credits ‘Harvey Hendricks for being the inspiration behind [her] decision to study economics.’
His impact on students was not confined to the subjects he taught. He encouraged independent and critical thinking and taught them to be rational and to base their conclusions and decisions on the analysis of facts. He set exacting standards for himself and his students and believed that true learning is only possible in a disciplined environment. Mario Wilson remembers his introduction to the Standard 6 mathematics class of ‘the take-no-nonsense, strict Mr Harvey Hendricks in Room 26, adjacent to the boy’s toilet, [also known as] the smoking section.’ Yet beneath that stern exterior lived a keen sense of humour. He shared many laughs with students and colleagues and was a good story-teller, especially when the story had a hilarious punch-line.
Harvey Hendricks had a deep love for the school and a committed interest in the students’ welfare, and this connection to the school and students was apparent in his involvement in extra-mural activities. But where this commitment was even more evident, was in the principled role he, and other colleagues such as Cyril Engel, played in steering Livingstone during the turbulent 80s. He was an outspoken critic of oppression, political hypocrisy and discrimination of any kind.
Tragically, Harvey Hendricks passed away in 2000 at a relatively young age, but his contribution in striving for the ‘goal of true education’ will be remembered.
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