Last week, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education conducted a four-day visit to farm schools in the Western Cape and Free State.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the state of education in farm schools and to enquire regarding the progress, or lack of it, in the implementation of policies and pieces of legislation affecting farm schools.
A number of focus areas had been identified for monitoring the state of education in these schools. These included the environment and infrastructure, the accessibility of schools, teaching and learning, curriculum delivery, school governance, progression and skills development and socio-economic challenges to education.
One of the key challenges that principals alluded to was a number of learners dropping out of school shortly after starting Grade &. The (farm) primary schools usually cater for learners from Grade R to Grade 6.
Lack of employment (upon leaving school) for youth was also raised. The situation sees many of these young people ending back on the farms as workers due to no other employment options. Learner transport was another worrying issue. Some learners had to walk long distances before they could catch a bus to school.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Hope Malgas, requested the Western Cape Education Department to look into the matters as principals were clearly concerned about the issue. The officials from the WCED gave a commitment to try and find solutions to this challenge and to relook at policies.
“We have also taken note of the good work done by educators. Their drive and passion was evident during these meetings,” said Ms Malgas. Socio-Economic Challenges like Foetal Alcohol Syndrome was highlighted by schools in the area as another challenge.
Ms Malgas said farm schools in the Free State had a good working relationship with the farm owners and were generally operating smoothly. Issues such as one school teachers, sanitation, lack of libraries and infrastructure challenges were highlighted. Training for multi-grade teachers was also raised.
The Committee will now draft a report with recommendations to the National Department of Basic Education and will also engage the department on the challenges highlighted by farm schools.
Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
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