The high rate of learner pregnancy and the increase of substance abuse by children of school going age have remained a serious concern for the department. The scourge of HIV and AIDS, crime and other social ills continue to affect all aspect of education in our province as it compromises the quality of life as well as teaching and learning.
The MEC for Education, Mr Senzo Mchunu will unveil the My Life My Future campaign aimed at curbing the infiltration of these social ills in schools. Through this campaign, the department intends to engage parents, educators, the community, as well as other stakeholders, which include other government departments such as health, Community Safety and Liaison as well as the Department of Social Development.
The campaign is not only centred on creating awareness about teenage pregnancy and substance abuse but will also drive the message of discipline and moral regeneration. “It is disheartening to see the number of school girls who fall pregnant and the number of learners who get involved in unbecoming behavior as a result of substance abuse.
We can no longer fold our arms and lament when these social ills continue to ravage the future of our children. The sad and sobering truth is that these challenges are real and we need to work together with parents, teachers, and the community to steer our children in the right direction. They must put education first,” said MEC Mchunu.
The campaign is also an indication that the department is implementing resolutions taken at the Education Summit that was held earlier this year. A resolution was taken that there is an urgent need for the department to lead a campaign that will involve a wide range of stakeholders to address the problem of learner pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse and violence in schools.
The My Life My Future campaign launch will kick-off with door to door visits to families with children who have been victims of teenage pregnancy and local liquor vendors.
The door to door visits will be conducted from 08h00 to 12h00 and thereafter the actual launch will be held as follows:
Date: 3 May 2011
Venue: Umlazi Comtech School (S Section, Off Mangosuthu Highway)
Time: 12h00
For enquiries, please contact:
Mbali Thusi
Cell: 082 881 7484
Sihle Mlotshwa
Cell: 072 207 2018
Source: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
