Home > United Nations Online Network in Public Administration and Finance (UNPAN)
1. Global
Global
2. Africa
Africa
3. Arab States
Arab States
4. Asia & Pacific
Asia & Pacific
5. Europe
Europe
6. Latin America & Caribbean
Latin America & Caribbean
7. North America
North America
UNPAN Africa
Public Administration News  
Share
Minister Forges Ahead with Plans to Improve Education
Source: BuaNews
Source Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Focus: ICT for MDGs
Country: South Africa
Created: May 25, 2011

The minister said, among other things, that they were focused on improving teacher development and ensuring every child had a text book for every subject.

Motshekga reiterated the need for teachers to be in class for at least seven hours a day, adding that they wanted to attract young and qualified individuals to the profession.

Among recent improvements on the troubled Eastern Cape schools, the minister said school nutrition programmes had since been restored; temporary teachers brought back, while shortages of stationery were being sorted out.

Challenges that still remain include inequality in the education system, poor financial controls in some schools, poverty and teenage pregnancies.

Despite the inequalities, she said they "will ensure that no child is left behind."

Motshekga's speech was welcomed by the African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The ANC said the budget allocation to the department was a clear indication that government wanted to improve the schooling system, particularly in poorer communities which still suffered from the legacy of apartheid.

The party also expressed its views on farm owners who accommodated schools, saying they should stop "dictating" to parents and learners.

Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant welcomed the minister's speech, and said the province's plans on improving the quality of education were well underway.

Grant said they have opened five new schools, with eight under construction, and had plans to replace 15 others and were providing 171 mobile classrooms.

"We will continue to work hard to improve the quality of education," he said.

However, the Congress of the People said that while billions were being spent on education "on the ground", nothing was improving.

The party said schools remained divided between rich and poor, adding that rural schools and poorly trained teachers remained a challenge.
News Home

 Tag This
 Tell A Friend
del.icio.us digg this Slashdot
Rate:
0 ratings
Views: 146

Comments: 0 Bookmarked: 0 Tagged: 0



0 Comments | Login to add comment

Site map | FAQs | Terms and Privacy | Contact Us
Copyright 2008-2010 by UNPAN - United Nations Public Administration Network