For the longest time I used to have a single story about learners in township schools in comparison to learners in model-c or private schools. The conceptualization of representation and how it is applied in the discipline of Anthropology highlights differences (othering - stereotypes) and creates distinction between societies. I used to think that learners in township schools were not as educated and as smart as learners coming from English medium schools or private schools. 

The danger of a single story by Chimamanda Ngozi highlights how one dimensional stereotypes are, how they are inaccurate and incomplete stories. Chimamanda describes how it is hard to relate with people or places without first immersing yourself into their stories. She goes on to illustrate how the effects of a single story degrades people's dignity and makes it harder to see our shared humanity. A single story emphasizes our differences rather than our similarities. 

My perception of township schools changed when my sister started attending extra lessons in a township school because my mother could not afford to get her a private tutor. Before attending the township school, her grades were really horrid and she was barely making it through her selected subjects (Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Life Science). However, after just a few month of attending the school, she became motivated by her peers and her teachers. Her best friend Neo, whom she met at the township school was extremely smart - obtaining only distinctions in all her subjects. After being around Neo for some time, she started to adopt her learning and studying techniques. In her grade 11 year, term 4, she received an award for achieving 100% in Mathematics and 92% in Physical Sciences. If my sister hadn't taken extra lessons at the township school, she wouldn't have met the people who would eventually inspire and propel her to succeed.