Official opening of upgraded top Correctional Centre School

Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele will officially open new premises for one of South Africa’s top correctional centre schools, Usethubeni Youth School at Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday.

Usethubeni Youth School, which achieved a 81,48% pass rate in the 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, has achieved a 91,79% average pass rate in the NSC exams since 2004. The top inmate for 2012, Chris Phumulani Mazibuko who achieved five distinctions, is also from Usethubeni.

Media are invited to cover the opening. Details are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Venue: Westville Correctional Centre, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal
Time: 9h30 for 10h00

Journalists attending must confirm attendance with your name, mobile number and email address, with Nokuthula Zikhali at:
E-mail: Nokuthula.Zikhali2@dcs.gov.za
Cell: 083 995 8204 / 083 636 0876.

Inmates across the country achieved a 79,25% pass rate in the 2012 NSC examinations, compared to 68,06% in 2011.

Usethubeni Youth School is a comprehensive school, located within the Durban Youth Correctional Centre, and affords inmates courses in Adult Basic Education, FET (National Curriculum Statement) Grade 10-12, FET (Technical Education) welding, carpentry, bricklaying and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Despite an excellent pass rate that the school has relished the past six years, floor space and educational amenities have been a constant challenge.

Previously, the school utilised four cells which were divided into eight classrooms and a store room which was converted into a staff room for educators. In an endeavour to create an environment in correctional facilities that contributes to offenders becoming better than what they were, the premises will boast a newly established Computer Training Centre with computers that will be used to introduce Computer Applications Technology (CAT) as an additional subject and it will also be used to teach basic computer literacy skills to inmates.

A new school Library and Information Services will also be integrated, which will provide much needed books and information to the learners. The establishment of the new library and computer centre is the result of partnerships between the Department of Correctional Services, the KZN Department of Education, the National Application Centre (NAC) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

The KZN Department of Education donated 30 computers, trained two educators to manage the library and assigned a librarian to set up a library. The NAC donated 500 books and secured a bursary for the top learner. The NYDA contributed six plasma screens for life orientation, 10 computers (five to be used in the library and five for school administration). The Directorate Formal Education also bought library books, and a floating trophy for the top performing school in Correctional Services.

Usethubeni Youth School is one of the examples that demonstrate a quest by the Department of Correctional Services to provide full-time study, skills and development programmes in correctional centres for inmates, especially those of school going age, which will enable them to make a meaningful contribution to society after serving their sentences. The department has similar centres around the country, and continues to urge offenders to use these opportunities provided to them.

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050

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