Missionary SchoolsINTRODUCTION: The "Missionary schools" or Christian religious schools were established mainly to increase the spread of Christianity. The reason it was done this way is because “education was an essential vehicle for spreading Christianity” (Booyse et al. 2011:114). Christianity was growing, and proselytes were taught basic reading and writing skills to equip themselves enough to read the Bible and other Christian literature. Numerous missionary societies were introduced which supported the spread of the Christian Gospel and the provision of education. The recipients of missionary education included blacks, mestizos, and slaves. EDUCATION AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF MISSIONARY SCHOOLS: “Education is a universal phenomenon, limited to human beings” (Venter 1979:32). Education should be placed in certain structures that help people throughout their lives. Missionary education among blacks began in the Cape region before 1910, particularly in King Williams Town. Mission schools were introduced so that children who could not go to church could learn religion. Missionary education began only in the 18th century. Missionary schools have had positive and negative effects throughout South Africa's history. Christian teaching aimed to break down many barriers between tribes and cultures. Teachers in missionary schools used the Bible as an instrument of justice. Mission schools converted many people to Christianity and these people were taught to read and write. Missionaries were encouraged to establish their mission stations on the frontier and to exert their influence on the black population in an effort to bring peace and harmony to the region (Encyclopedia Britannica...... middle of paper...... h The African education system as Nelson Mandela fought so hard to become the rainbow nation and for religious equality. Students should not be forced to have religions they do not believe in, but rather only be allowed to learn about them. Bibliography: Booysen, JJ et al .2011. A history of schooling in South Africa. Hatfield: Van Schaik Publishers.Enosi, S. 2010. History of education, creative commons.Ndlovu, E. 2010. Mission schools in South Africa.Cape of Good Hope 1863. Report of a commission appointed in accordance with the direction of the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly to inquire into and report upon the government educational system of the colony (Watermeyer Commission No. 24. Government Memorandum—Education, May 23, 1839). . Cape Town: Solomon