Many children in Alex roam the streets nonchalantly wearing civvies weeks before the official closure of their schools for the year-end holidays.
In a township struggling with social malaise, its future heirs who need the free education, seem to prefer the streets where they are at risk of falling to the many social ills rather than be in the classroom. With parents away at work, they are exposed to negative influences yet they still prefer life on the streets.
They are not even found at recreational facilities where one expects them to be but roaming the streets aimlessly with a few opting for games such as skipping rope or some just gaze at passersby. It’s sad to see some of them huddled in groups next to men playing games of dice, consuming alcohol in public or at popular congregating spots. Residents also walk passed the children seemingly unconcerned in the likely mistaken belief that holidays have started for them.
It’s a lost opportunity to get educated which some children will never recover from especially for those struggling academically. Their future is doomed from the minute continuity in their education is interrupted. It’s a sad omen which they, their parents and guardians will later and as usual, probably want to blame on others except themselves.
This was the theme expressed by McWeiler Primary School principal Flaki Ramothata who decried the culture of school absenteeism by children immediately after the final examinations and when not involved in exams. “Attendance fluctuates from 30 to 65 per cent at this time of year, implying that the children and their parents regard them as already on holiday despite schools closing on 5 December this year.”
Ramothata said the absenteeism was detrimental as the learners missed out on preparations for next year’s classes and on advice on life guidance in a society struggling with moral regeneration. “We plan for them until the last day of school as per policy. Also, we play welfare roles of mother and nurse while keeping them in a safe environment. She said children of particularly poor families also missed out on nutritional feeding. “Some of them don’t have food at home and can’t even cook when alone at home.”
Ramothata reminded parents that they also lost out on other benefits they had paid for until the last day of school. “We advise them of all these issues through regular newsletters which are seemingly read only by those interested in their children’s education and a better future.”
With the festive fever gripping every home, she advised parents to also prioritise buying school material for their children where it is not provided.
“Invest your excess money first in school uniforms than fancy clothes.”
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