Schools’ education must improve-MEC for CoGHSTA
MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu, has warned that low enrolment could lead to schools being closed by the Department of Education.
Speaking during a ceremony where uniforms were donated to hundreds of learners at Zamani Primary School in Nkuri village on Friday, the MEC urged teachers and parents to prioritise learners’ education in their community to ensure development.
“I would like to specifically ask the principal and the teachers of Zamani Primary School to ensure that they improve the quality of learners’ education because parents take their kids to schools that they believe provide quality education,” he said. “Unfortunately, when parents sense that a school is not up to standard, they take their children out of school resulting in low enrolment, which consequently leads to the government closing the school,” he said.
The MEC also urged parents to visit the school when the principal wants to discuss issues related to their kids to ensure that there is good communication between the school and parents. “Cooperate with the school and work together with the principal to iron out issues of concern. Don’t come with an attitude, that’s not the way to help our kids,” he advised. The MEC further said that parents should support their kids at home regardless of their performance at school.
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“Underperforming does not always mean that a child is doomed and has no future.” He said he was never in the top ten in class, yet he managed to succeed and become a teacher. “Not all kids have to be in the top ten to be successful. I managed to finish my education and become a teacher. So don’t be disappointed if they don’t perform the way you want them to,” he said.
Tintswalo Mabunda, chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), welcomed the donation of the uniforms, saying it will go a long way towards inspiring students to enjoy school. “Many learners come from households where parents are unemployed, so even a small donation makes a big difference,” she remarked.
