The phasing in of more grades will continue, says department of education

According to a media statement released by the department of basic education, the phasing in of more grades will continue.

This decision was reached after a virtual meeting held by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) yesterday. They concluded that schools that can meet the safety requirements should continue phasing in more grades.

“The country is entering the peak of the infections of the virus,” the department says. However, education forms part of the country’s livelihood, and the strategies put in place are meant to protect those livelihoods.

Also Read: Parents disappointed as Ramaphosa fails to mention schools in address

According to the department, home education remains an option for parents that opt to not return their children to school. However, home education is not an option for kids in rural and remote areas of the country. These children are unable to access online learning material, TV, or radio lessons.

Also Read: Parents split over proposal to scrap 2020 academic year

For this reason, the department needs to maintain the reopening of schools to ensure that the children’s basic right to education is met.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.