A group of labour unions and youth organisations will monitor the start of the new academic year in schools and other institutions from Wednesday, the Education Alliance said on Tuesday.
The alliance comprises the African National Congress Youth League, the Congress of South African Students, the National Association of School Governing Bodies, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the South African Student Congress and the Young Communist League.
The alliance said in a statement released on Tuesday that it will concentrate on two particular areas this year. These are the reintegration of unsuccessful matriculants into schools and stabilising the education system so that transformation can proceed.
”As organisations committed to the transformation of education, we wish to actively contribute to the successful reopening of education institutions and to engage with the very real challenges that confront our education system,” the alliance said.
One of the first issues to which it will pay attention is making sure that unsuccessful matric candidates will be able to repeat matric exams within the schooling system.
”There are simply not enough so-called finishing schools to cope with the nearly 30% of unsuccessful matric candidates. [At present] there is no consistent policy implementation across provinces in this regard.
”At the very least, every learner must be given a second chance, after which they may be referred to other appropriate institutions.”
The education system also needs to be stabilised to ensure that transformation continues, the alliance said.
Overcrowding in schools needs to be addressed, as well as barriers to poor students, such as school fees and uniforms.
Staffing of schools is also a matter of concern for the alliance.
”In January, the contracts of thousands of temporary teachers come up for renewal, often leading to delays due to budgetary problems.”
The alliance will also monitor the timeous distribution of appropriate and cost-effective learning materials to schools.
”From all parties — learners, parents, governing bodies and educators — we expect a high level of discipline, commitment and responsibility to ensure that teaching and learning takes place throughout the year and that any irregularities are rooted out.”
The alliance’s campaign will be coordinated by a national committee, with structures at provincial and local levels. — Sapa