Youth aim to improve learning environment

A youth organisation is promoting a programme to help improve school attendance.

Non-profit organisation Ubuhlobo Bokwenene was formed to deal with school absenteeism and resulting problems such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and crime committed by children who should be spending their time in school.

Siphokazi Mpahlwana, the organisation’s treasurer said many children especially from child, granny or single mother headed households bunked school regularly. “They lack parental support due to the frail condition of the grannies, and the mothers having to work away from home the entire week or leaving early and returning home late, exhausted and unable to supervise their children’s homework,” she said.

She said the organisation wanted to motivate children to go to school by introducing structured play-related activities at schools. The activities will include organised games, sports and discussions, and be implemented before classes and during breaks.

The organisation is looking for volunteers to help implement the programme. “We prefer volunteers from among the parents in order to develop their interest in the education of their children,” she said.

Mpahlwana added that the programme would help schools identify children with social challenges. These children will be referred to social workers for assistance.

The organisation is hoping to achieve its objective through partnership with stakeholders including the quality learning and teaching unit in the Department of Education, the Department of Social Development, South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alex FM, Agisanang Domestic Abuse and Prevention and Training, the police, police forums and the school governing bodies.