The MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape, Mahlubandile Qwase called for those having interest in education to awaken the limitless to overcome adversity students in the Eastern Cape.
He said this while addressing the provincial debate of the South African Model United Nations (SAMUN) conference at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bhisho, 15 August 2009.The conference, which takes place on an annual basis, was attended by grades 10 and 11 learners, teachers and parents. Learners are presented with the topic they will be debating at their provincial conference.
“I applaud the dedicated teachers who are keen to uplift the level of education in the province despite the unpleasant circumstances they encounter in their endeavours,” said MEC Qwase.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education, in its effort to improve cognitive and problem solving skills of learners from both rural and urban schools were introduced to the results of a research on the ‘The global financial crisis and its impact on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals’. The purpose of introducing the learners to the results was to make them to debate the global market collapse and come up with solutions. Additionally, such exposure will enhance students’ understanding of the world and therefore locate them in position to make the world a better place.
MEC Qwase urged teachers, government official and parents to assist unleash the full potential of the learners. He cited a student who obtained 100 percent in mathematics last year from Nongekhe Senior Secondary School in Bhizana and another one that received 95 percent also in mathematics from St James in Cofimvaba.
“The performance of these learners is a clear indication that Eastern Cape students are capable of performing well, therefore I urge all the education stakeholders to partake in awakening the infinite power within our students,” said Qwase.
Currently the department is almost around 94 percent in terms of making education available to all children and the target is to ensure that by 2015 all children of school going age are at school,” said the MEC.
Moreover, he informed that no-fee schools are operating to support underprivileged children access education. Scholar transport is available to assist learners who travel extremely long distances to and from schools.
School nutrition will be extended up to high schools to supplement and encourage learners to attend school.
The MEC also urged learners to change their sexual behaviour which in turn will help reduce the percentage of HIV infections so as to meet the millennium developmental goals.
“The findings in a research on ‘how to improve education’ indicates that no changes are needed in the curriculum but implementation is vital and urgently required,” concluded Qwase.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
28 August 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www. ecdoe.gov.za/)
