With no end in sight to the crippling public sector strike involving teachers, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has made a desperate appeal to members of the public to volunteer their time and help matric learners prepare for their final examinations which start in the middle of October.
The strike has brought education across the country to a halt and has forced several provincial education departments to postpone preliminary matric examinations. Preliminary examinations are considered to be crucial dry-runs for the final examinations.
The department is setting up learning centres for grade 12 learners to complete the syllabus and also start revision work. Motshekga’s call is directed mainly at those who have expertise in all subjects offered to matric learners. She said the department would provide the necessary learning materials to the designated centres across the country.
The department has also roped in other partners such as SABC Education and the International Marketing Council to make available both study and revision materials for grade 12s and learning materials for younger learners.
Motshekga said by mobilising qualified professionals and subject experts, the department is strengthening the efforts of grade 12 learners who have formed their own study groups during the strike. “It is important that grade 12s remain focused during this time,” said Motshekga.
Grade 12 learners are also encouraged to listen to daily broadcasts on the SABC Education radio stations and television channels. They may also access past examination papers and study guides from the department’s website.
She also called for parents, communities, retired and student teachers to volunteer and find creative ways of keeping younger learners occupied through various learning and enrichment programmes.
Learner support materials are available on the department’s website: www. education.gov.za and the Thutong portal.
People wishing to volunteer their services may contact the department’s Call Centre on: 0800 202 933 or email [email protected] and submit their details. The public is also encouraged to visit the Department’s Facebook page at www.groups.to/dbevolunteers