education for all
10 October 2006
Does the Department of Education have an infrastructure policy in place? How
does the design of schools affect our thinking and teaching? Should we separate
boys and girls in one space? Why are we still using bricks and mortar if a
first world country like New Zealand is using prefabs? How are we ever going to
eradicate the inequality that apartheid brought about? What are the
implications of migratory patterns?
These were some of the questions raised and thoughts shared by more than 200
delegates who came together at a two-day Education Infrastructure Conference,
initiated and hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. Following
rigorous debate on issues that affect education infrastructure delivery,
agreement has been reached on how best to improve education infrastructure in
the country.
In her opening address yesterday, Monday, 9 October 2006, Ms Ina Cronj� MEC
for Education in KwaZulu-Natal gave an overview of the state of schools in the
province including successful case studies.
"While great strides have been made since 2004 one must realise that
infrastructure delivery is an incomplete journey, given the historical
infrastructure backlogs and the size and rural nature of this province. The
levels of poverty present huge challenges for the delivery of quality,
equitable and relevant education," said Cronj�.
Cronje said that her Department has identified a number of policy and
service delivery needs. Chief among these are integration with other government
initiatives, research and analysis into new school requirements, acquisition of
land and land ownership, accurate and scientific information to facilitate
informed decision-making and prioritisation of projects, streamlining
procurement procedures and employment of emerging contractors (black economic
empowerment (BEE), women and youth to boost local community economies.
Following deliberations which invited comment and debate on a number of
critical issues hampering the development of quality education nationwide,
delegates agreed on a number of strategies that will take the process of
enhanced education forward. They included:
* the need for a holistic policy framework especially in respect of
curriculum demands and basic conditions of learning:
- education infrastructure delivery should be driven by careful planning rather
than a reactive approach of chasing backlogs.
* the need for proper planning especially in the face of changing
demographics (population trends, migratory patterns and emerging
communities):
- this includes the importance of a scientific approach to planning; this
included geographic information systems, socio economic studies, technical
reports and census information.
* the need to examine the design of education infrastructure and whether the
current school design environment is conducive to outcomes based education
(OBE):
- curriculum reform should be accompanied by a review of learning spaces to
serve the needs of both educators and learners as well as to follow the global
trend of alternative methods of construction and building systems.
* the need for integration with regards to the policy, planning and delivery
of education infrastructure especially in the provision of basic human needs
such as water, sanitation and electricity:
- an integrated approach with the various stakeholders including various
government departments and parastatals.
Deputy Minister for Education Enver Surty, who gave the keynote address,
said it was imperative that all municipalities work with provincial education
departments when developing education infrastructure.
"This should take place before any construction proceeds to, for example,
prevent housing development before schools," Surty emphasised.
The conference ended on a high note quoting KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sibusiso
Ndebele who said earlier this year, "In the life of every society there comes a
time when the door opens and lets in the future. That moment has arrived in
KwaZulu-Natal."
The Education Infrastructure Conference, the first of its kind in South
Africa, is expected to convene on a regular basis.
For further information please contact:
Christi Naud�
Tel: (033) 355 2453
Cell: 083 262 8829
Email: christin@kznedu.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
10 October 2006
