Zimbabwe schools buckle under pressure of crisis HARARE – Like an orchestra without a conductor: this is how mother Sharon Mpofu describes Zimbabwe's once proud education system, now in tatters as a political crisis rages around the country's children.

Rudd sparks an increase in the study of Asian languages SYDNEY - Australia's Mandarin-speaking leader Kevin Rudd has helped spark an increase in the study of Asian languages, with record numbers of students signing up for Chinese, a major university said Friday.

Maths, science academy opened by PetroSA State-owned oil and gas company PetroSA has opened a R1.2-million maths and science academy in Mossel Bay, to help about 300 learners from five disadvantaged high schools in the southern Cape.

Social Innovator - Margie Owen-Smith Have you ever thought about the role that home languages play in the growth and development of your children? Trying to get to grips with maths formulae is complicated enough; imagine trying to understand them through a second language.

Crocodile crossing for SA pupils A South African village is demanding that a bridge be built across a crocodile-infested river to stop children swimming it to get to school.