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17 September 2008

Introduction

We appreciate this opportunity to share an update on developments within the Department of Education. This briefing will include, amongst others, programmes related to the Social Cluster's priority areas, with specific reference to poverty alleviation.

Background

This report is presented in the context of broader local, regional and global socio-political dynamics which have collectively impacted on the urgency with which the critical role of education in providing longer-term social relief and economic empowerment has to be realised. Developments since the last report was tabled in June have escalated in value precisely because the demands on Government to effectively respond to the multiple challenges of poverty-eradication, social transformation and economic empowerment have been further emphasised by the identification of education and health as twin priorities by the ruling party.

The significant progress and expansion of key programmes to give expression to this department’s commitment to ensure equitable redress and provision of quality education has been manifested in a variety of ways through the mandate given by the education Minister to respective branches to effectively deliver on the expectations of the department's strategic prioritisation and implementation of policy to combat negative manifestations such as violence in schools and poor performance, amongst others.

Against the backdrop of escalating costs and the effects of social insecurity, the poor have been made a serious priority through the launch of the War on Poverty Campaign in August which has been systematically supported by the programmes and implementation strategies of the DoE. This will be illustrated and expanded upon in the rest of the report.

The DoE has also continued to participate in the work of the Social Cluster and has made giant strides towards rendering a quality service to both schools and their communities, as well as to supporting its cadre of professionals. This has been done through resource provisioning and positive engagement of stakeholders at all levels, around matters of mutual interest and social transformation, which will be evident in this report.

School Safety and Enrichment Programme

The department has put in place measures to deal with issues of violence in schools and these are among others, the Hlayiseka programme which assists schools to understand and identify security issues and threats, guide schools to respond effectively to security issues and threats, report and manage reported incidents appropriately and monitor the schools progress over time.

The Education Laws Amendment Act of 2007 provides powers to schools to conduct random search and seizure on pupils for weapons, drugs and other undesirable items. Further to this, the department support teachers to deal with discipline in schools, including the "Alternatives to corporal punishment" and partnerships to assist teachers with skills aimed at classroom and behaviour management.

Support for the 2008 Grade 12 Learners

The Department has and will continue to provide support to learners who will be writing the National Senior Certificate examination in November. The annual subject advisor and teacher training programmes provided since 2005, coupled with the development of Learning programme guidelines and Subject Assessment guidelines for grades 10 to 12, have been key investments of the department in providing a solid foundation for learners. Efforts include, development of examination exemplars for Grades 10, 11 and 12 by the DoE examination panel, Study Mate and Studiepêl for Grades 10, 11 and 12 and the Maths 911 textbooks. These were distributed to schools and communities place in various newspapers. The Department also provided provinces with Study Guides to assist during the Spring Schools.

Second chance programme

The department, together with the provincial education departments, provided support to the grade 12 learners who failed in 2007 with the aim of enabling them to obtain a senior certificate. Over 400 000 learners sat for the examinations in May 2008.

QIDS-UP (Quality Improvement, Development, Support and Upliftment Programme)

QIDS- UP is a five year special intervention programme that prioritises 15 000 primary schools serving the poorest communities. The focus of the programme is to improve schools infrastructure, supply curriculum resources and provide teacher and school management support towards improving learning outcomes. The programme also seeks to address the impact of poverty in schools.

In 2007/08, more than the initial 3 500 targeted schools received support, as noted below:

* 13 000 schools were supplied with reading books
* 2 700 schools were supplied with numeracy, maths and science kits
* Teachers from 3 000 schools were trained on a variety of skills including how to teach reading and maths, how to assess learners correctly; and how to use resources provided to the maximum benefit of learners
* 1 025 schools received 1 500 reading toolkits for teachers, which provide teachers with tools to teach reading
* 300 schools were renovated, fenced or received grade R outdoor equipment;
* 384 schools were supplied with office equipment including photocopiers, printers and computers.

Spending and commitments as at 31 July in eight provinces range between 12% and 70%. To ensure that the entire QIDS-UP allocation is used by the end of every financial year, the DoE has put monitoring mechanisms in place by way of provincial quarterly reporting on spending and monthly provincial visits by the DoE team.

In terms of the Minister’s priority, greater emphasis is being placed on improving school infrastructure. For 2008/09, 1 000 schools will be improved (renovations, water and fencing) at a cost of R76,5 million in seven provinces.

During the Financial Year 2008, 11 000 schools will receive reading books, including reading books in indigenous languages for 2 200 schools. A manual on school self evaluation and improvement to support school managers will be delivered to schools with orientation in October 2008.

No Fee Schools

Currently 58% of public ordinary schools nationally are declared as No Fee Schools. This saw approximately 5 020 554 learners in 14 264 schools falling within the No Fee Schools in terms of the SA Schools Act. Provinces have since surpassed 40% determined by the Minister of Education.

Teacher Laptop Initiative

The Department of Education believes that South Africa can move closer to an educational environment where all South Africans have access to information communication technology (ICT), educational content and internet access to improve the quality of learning. The South African Teacher Laptop Initiative is envisaged, to facilitate laptop ownership by every educator in South Africa. The purpose of this initiative will be to provide simple, cost effective mechanisms for South African educators to acquire their own laptop computers, related devices, access to the internet and professional development opportunities.

The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)

In terms of the DORA 2008/09, a total budget of R1 583 103 has been allocated to implement the NSNP. The department has therefore, a mandate to feed learners in schools in quintiles one, two and three on all school days at an average cost of R1,50 per learner per day. By 31 July 2008, provinces had spent 33,3% of the budget to feed about 6 238 489 learners in approximately 18 000 schools.

Draft national guidelines on the implementation of the programme have been developed and communicated to provinces with the aim of providing minimum requirements for implementing the programme.

The NSNP has contributed towards local economic development and job creation. A total of 1709 service providers, 572 communities based on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and 1 059 community-based co-operatives are contracted throughout provinces. Schools employ at least two food handlers per 200 learners which totals 39 417 and receive a monthly stipend of between R300 to R500.

2010 Schools Soccer World Cup

This Campaign aims to ensure participation of learners in activities pertaining to sport, arts and culture to develop potential in the various facets. The South African Schools Football Cup Partnership was officially launched in Soweto at the Moletsane Sport Complex on 10 May 2008. Provincial co-ordinators have been identified to manage the process of enlisting schools that will respond to the advertisement placed in the media during the second week of May 2008. The draw for the South African Schools Confederation Cup Competition will be held on 27 September 2008.

For further information please contact:
Ms Vivienne Carelse
Deputy Director-General: Office of the Director General
Tel: 012 312 5273
Fax: 012 312 6228
E-mail: carelse.v@doe.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Education
17 September 2008