Public comments on learner pregnancy Policy in schools duly noted
Schools are required to accommodate the reasonable needs of the learner to ensure that her right to education is not disrupted or ended by pregnancy or birth.
It is no secret that learner pregnancy is of major concern to the Department of Basic Education. The rate of learner pregnancy in South Africa has become a major social, systemic and fiscal challenge, not only for the basic education sector but crucially, for national development in general.
It impacts the lives of many young people often limiting their personal growth, the pursuit of rewarding careers and their ambitions with an incalculable impact on the country’s socio-economic systems.
In fact, DBE recently published a proposal regarding the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in the schooling environment and the measures it has put in place to deal with such matter.
The public had to submit written comments agreeing or disagreeing with the proposal. The main aim of the recommendation by DBE is to find a way to substantially address or manage learner pregnancy.
The end of July marked the closing of the second round of public comments for the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in Schools Policy.
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Earlier this year, the department issued a gazette in which it invited comments from stakeholder bodies and members of the public on the Policy. The department then created another opportunity for public comment as requested by various stakeholders.
The DBE appreciates all comments that have been received in this second window for public comments and are pleased that those who did not have an opportunity to comment six months ago when the document was first issued for public comment have now had an opportunity to do so. All comments will be taken into consideration for the final draft of the Policy.
Schools are required to accommodate the reasonable needs of the learner to ensure that her right to education is not disrupted or ended by pregnancy or birth.
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