Speech delivered by the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, the Honourable Mr Enver Surty, MP, at the official handover of the Wesfleur Primary School in the Western Cape
Programme Director,
Councillors present,
School Principal Mr. Wentzel,
Teachers,
School Governing Body Chairperson and Members,
Parents and learners,
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Programme Director I am privileged to have an opportunity to be in the province of the Western Cape yet again to officially open another state-of-the-art school and hand it over to the jubilant community of the Atlantis. The Wesfleur Primary School is purpose built and fit for educational needs of our children.
Since His Excellency President Jacob Zuma declared basic education as an apex priority in 2009, the focus has shifted away from equity and redress to the provision of infrastructure to address the legacy of underinvestment in the education of the African (both Black and Coloured) children. We believe that all South African children have an inherent right to safe and modern school buildings and facilities. This reprioritisation led to the birth of the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI).
ASIDI is an R8.2 billion public-private programme, and is one of the government's Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). The objective of ASIDI is to eradicate the Basic Safety Norms backlog in schools without water, sanitation and electricity and to replace those schools constructed from inappropriate material (mud, plankie, asbestos) to contribute towards levels of optimum learning and teaching. The Schools Infrastructure Backlog Grant (SIBG) funds the ASIDI portfolio.
The impact of ASIDI is far reaching. Firstly, it is providing infrastructure that exceeds the Minimum Norms and Standards for educational facilities in South Africa. This, in rural and other economically depressed areas, is a significant development for communities who constantly refer to ASIDI schools as ‘universities’.
Secondly, much more than brick and mortar, ASIDI schools are helping to restore dignity and pride for people who had gone far too long deprived of facilities that are taken for granted elsewhere
ASIDI by numbers
Programme Director, I am glad to report that to-date, the ASIDI programme has delivered 133 State-of-the-Art Schools, (20 of these are here in the Western Cape) 520 provided with water, 395 given decent sanitation and 293 connected to electricity. As a result of improved infrastructure, a higher proportion of younger children are accessing world class classroom facilities.
Against all odds
This phenomenal success comes despite the challenges presented by a tough financial climate. We took a conscious decision that we must not forget the importance of having good quality places for young people to learn and for teachers to teach. We believe quiet correctly that well-designed buildings provide facilities that are fit for purpose, accessible to all and built to last. These new state-of-the-art facilities lift the spirits and aspirations of everyone who uses them – pupils and teachers.
Importance of world class school facilities
Built Environment Experts believe that our immediate environment influences our mood and behaviour. Research by Education Trust found that ‘a school building can tell students who they are and what they should think about the world’. Findings from Manchester Metropolitan University suggest that pupils in poorly designed schools ‘felt that they were a reflection of their school: undervalued, worthless, dirty and uncared for’. Many pieces of educational research show the link between low self-esteem and underachievement.
Teachers are motivated by working conditions
In case we forget schools are also places of work. Research indicates that world class facilities attract high calibre of staff members. In their research, PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that investment in buildings and spaces was one of the two most important factors in teacher motivation and retention. For example, teachers have improved morale when working in a physical environment that functions well.
A poor environment affects everyone
Programme Director on the flip side, there are negative consequences of working in a poorly designed school. Illnesses, including stress and voice problems, are exacerbated by poor acoustics, ventilation and heating. Research by BRE Trust as part of their Better Performing Schools Project (2007) suggests that pupil concentration, energy levels and mood are influenced by basic environmental factors such as natural light, noise, air quality and temperature. All ASIDI state-of-art-schools are designed and built to take into account all these latest research findings in the built environment.
Programme Director, it is with this in mind that the Department of Basic Education works tirelessly to ensure that the school environment for all our learners in all the 23 000 public schools are safe and secure. We strive to provide a safe learning environment to all South African learners without any discrimination based on class, race, gender or religious affiliation.
Features of the new State-of-the-Art Wesfleur Primary School
Programme Director, I am pleased to say in this school alone, we have invested in excess of R40 Million to turn Wesfleur Primary School into the state-of-the-art facility that it is today. The new school is home to 1350 learners plus 199 in Grade R alone. The new state-of-the-art school boast 33 ordinary classrooms plus six Grade R special classrooms.
Most importantly, the school now boast of the following cutting edge facilities - Computer Laboratory, Internet Connection, Science Laboratory, Resource Centre/Library/Media Centres, Nutrition Centre and a Multipurpose Centre that can be used for Art, Handwork and Music. Programme Director; this is indeed a Good Story to Tell.
Job opportunities
In addition to building state-of-the-art schools, ASIDI also provide much needed jobs and skills transfer for the locals. I am informed that during the construction of this school and neighbouring one – some 261 jobs have been created.
Call to learners to grab opportunities
To the learners, education is a prerequisite for tackling poverty and promoting short and long-term economic growth. Everything that you need to succeed has been provided; it is now up to you to excel. As our stalwart and international icon, the late President Nelson Mandela once said, “It is now in your hands”.
The ANC led government has provided the entire requisite infrastructure that far exceeds the current Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure. We have qualified teachers, a dedicated principal, and a functional SGB. You as learners must just show up and learn to unlock a better future for yourselves, your families and our country at large.
We hope that this facility will inspire the community and learners to reach for their dreams beyond the Atlantic Ocean. We appeal to the community and learners to safeguard this national asset provided to you in-order to ensure future generations gets a chance to utilize these state-of-the-art facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the state-of-the-art nature of the facilities will bestow a sense of pride in our children. It is a fact that wherever an ASIDI school is built, there is a surge in demand for enrolments. We have noted that communities spurred on by the new facilities take a greater interest in their children’s education.
We have also observed that there is generally a renewed sense of hope in the community in general. The new state-of-the-art facilities at this school are a catalyst for change. We appeal to all learners to seize the opportunity presented with both hands. These facilities will provide both current and future learners an escape route out of the despair and helplessness that sometimes characterises economically depressed areas.
Future of Annual National Assessment
Finally, I must admit that we are all disappointed that there has been such controversy with regard to the Annual National Assessment (ANA). Our premise is that ANA remains a very important assessment tool in the sector in the absence of any other remodelled diagnostic tool. As a result, the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga sent a circular to all schools yesterday confirming that ANA will be written this year. The writing of ANA 2015 will take place from 26 November to December 2015. The school will dertemine the actual timetable.
I urge all learners and teachers to respect this process and ensure that there are no disruptions to this important assessment tool.
I thank you!
