Select Committee satisfied with Vuwani catch-up

The Select Committee on Education and Recreation of Parliament welcomed interventions by the Department of Education such as the provision of mobile classrooms to schools torched during recent violent protests in Vuwani, as well as study camps for Grade 12 learners. “A lot has still to be done to ensure that learners receive quality education including provision of study material to schools that had theirs burnt,” Lynette Zwane, Chairperson of the committee said.
The committee assessed the progress of the catch-up programme for learners after they have not received schooling for more than three months at the height of the protests, as well as learners’ readiness for examinations.
Zwane said learning is progressing well in Vuwani in schools affected by the protests.
“Despite the constant reminder of the destruction caused by the fires, teachers and learners continue to devote their time to learning and teaching. The immense role played by educators in the implementation of catch-up plans must be applauded.” She said classes started on hour early and end an hour after normal school hours in an effort to get through the curriculum and ensure learners are ready for their year-end examinations.
Over weekends students assist learners with extra classes. “The Committee urges all stakeholders to assist government in turning this situation around,” Zwane said, adding that the department must provide psychological counselling the entire affected community. See other stories about Parliaments’ Select Committees oversight visits elsewhere.

Story and photo: NELIE ERASMUS
>>nelie.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Recreation, Lynette Zwane.