Mission SchoolsINTRODUCTION: “Mission Schools” or Christian Religious Schools were established primarily to increase the spread of Christianity. The reason it was done this way was because “education was an essential vehicle for spreading Christianity” (Booyse et al. 2011: 114). Christianity was growing and proselytes were learning basic reading and writing skills to equip themselves sufficiently to be able to read the Bible and other Christian literature. A multitude of missionary societies were introduced and they advocated the spread of the Christian gospel and education. The beneficiaries of missionary education included Blacks, Coloreds, and Slaves. EDUCATION AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF MISSIONARY SCHOOLS: “Education is a universal phenomenon, limited to human beings” (Venter 1979: 32). Education should be integrated into certain structures that would help individuals throughout their lives. Missionary education among blacks began in the Cape region before 1910, specifically in King Williams Town. Missionary schools were established so that children who could not attend church could learn religion. Missionary education did not begin until the 18th century. Missionary schools have had both positive and negative effects in South African history. Teaching in a Christian way aimed to break down many barriers between tribes and cultures. Missionary school teachers used the Bible as a tool for justice. Missionary schools converted many people to Christianity and these people learned to read and write. Missionaries were encouraged to establish their mission stations on the frontier and exert their influence over the black population in an effort to bring peace and harmony to the region (Encyclopaedia Britannic......mid article ......h The African education system, while Nelson Mandela fought so hard to become the rainbow nation and for religious equality, should not have religions imposed on them that they do not not believe, but rather simply the opportunity to learn more. Bibliography: Booysen, JJ et. al. 2011. A history of schooling in South Africa: Van Schaik Publishers. Education, Creative Commons. Ndlovu, E. 2010. Missionary Schools in South Africa. Cape of Good Hope 1863. Report of a Commission Appointed Pursuant to the Address of the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly to Investigate and report on the colony's government educational system (Watermeyer Commission No. 24. Government Memorandum – Education, May 23, 1839). Cape Town: Solomon.