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Article by Dineo Matroko and Sisa Sityata-Soga
“If we do not focus on the quality of our primary education, we will still not be able to address the challenges faced by our learners at Grade 12 level”
These are the words by Eastern Cape Education MEC Mahlubandile Qwase as he addressed educators of Stephen Mazungula Primary School in Port Elizabeth yesterday.
As he made a brief and surprise stop at the school to address the educators at the school during its 40th anniversary celebration since its establishment, Qwase re-emphasised the importance and influence of educators on the learners’ futures.
Not deprecating the various challenges faced by the provincial school, Qwase rather commended the good work done by educators and further urged for more dedication towards providing quality education to learners.
Most if not all of us in this room were educated under unfavourable conditions and circumstances, however, because of the calibre of educators that we had then, we were able to have careers”- he said much to the agreement of the teachers present there.
He then called for educators to be the sources of encouragement and wells of knowledge, particularly for the learners of the day.
Known as one of the best two schools in the New Brighton area, Stephen Mazungula Junior Primary School Principal, Nosi Mjekula deemed the school’s impeccable status to “collective” contribution by educators in the school.
“It is our belief as teachers here that claiming ownership of the school has enabled us to work together towards constant improvement of our schools and the quality of education offered”- she said.
Making an example, Mjekula said –“ Unlike other schools, all of us [teachers] know and understand our challenges enough to be comfortable with schooling hours from 07h30 until 15h00 everyday”- she said.
Visibly humbled by MEC Qwase’s visit, Mjekula took the opportunity to ask for assistance with a Grade R classroom.
“Whilst we have a self made shed that we use to relieve the large number of Grade R learners when the weather is favourable, we will continue to wait and hope that the department will heed our call for assistance with one classroom”- she said.
Earlier in the day, Qwase made a visit to Chatty Community and Booysen Park Secondary School where he officially launched the construction of a combined school and refurbishment of classrooms for the two areas, respectively. According to Qwase an impermanent structure in the Chatty Community will be finished by January 2011.
Article Tags: Stephen Mazungula Primary School
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