It is often said that many heads work a lot better than one which is what the Libode District has done in calling Ilima to help the district out of its dire situation of being the worst performing school in South Africa.
The Ilima project which was recently launched in the district aims at salvaging the class of 2012 from the same fate as class of 2011 matriculants. The Ilima project involves community leaders, communities, traditional leaders, religious leaders, principals, teachers, learners and departmental officials who have come together with strategies that will improve this year’s matric pass rate. Addressing stakeholders of education in the launch, District Director Soyisile Nuku called on all stakeholders to take part in the project.
Nuku made it clear that stakeholders need to act ‘today as procrastinating their actions for tomorrow might be too late’. “This mentality that schools belong to principals and teachers must be done away with and we must work together to save the future of our children” emphasized Nuku.
The project was also endorsed by unions such as National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU). A representative from NAPTOSA supported the project saying that ‘children must be put first and teachers must teach with dignity and apply the seven days seven hours rule for prosperity in education’. SADTU also supported the project, encouraged teachers to close prison doors and open school doors and urged learners to co-operate.
Thula Nkomo from the National Department of Education applauded Nuku for being brave enough to ask for help to the stakeholders saying that the blame game should stop and everyone must work towards the goal of bettering the education system.
“This Province has produced great leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and many others, we must strive to achieve the best result and not fail them” said Nkomo. Adding to Nkomo’s sentiments Reverend Matwa from the prayer team foundation in the Province pledged their support to the project in being visible in the camps which will start soon as to guide the learners spiritually. Committing to helping his community, Chief Jongisango said that he will make it his mission to visit schools in the area and find out their problems and help where he can.
A learner from Smuts Ndamase high school, Sinethemba Sigila also applauded the move to start the project. “All I am going to say is that we acknowledge the efforts made by the district office and our parents, have heard it and we promise not to disappoint” confirmed Sigila.
Libode District gears up for final exams
Province
