Address problems in shambolic education system

EDUCATION is the bedrock for development and economic growth because it is from schools that doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals are produced.

Education has hit a brick wall because the government is still not addressing the main problem. The ingredients needed to propel education and give it the quality it needs are missing: an enabling environment for learning, teachers’ welfare, adequate furniture in all classes, de-congestion of pupils and improved staffing and teaching aids.

In many instances the government fails not only to provide facilities such as libraries and laboratory material, but also crucial learning materials such as books. The shortage of learning materials results in a further decline in the standard of education.

The failures in South Africa’s education system reflect the problems that have beset governance in the country mainly since 1994. A lack of skills, monitoring and accountability have led to poor policy implementation, inferior training of teachers and a system many people have lost hope in.

Those who can afford to, are sending their children to private schools.

Violence in schools remains a key issue. The rape of schoolgirls and sexual violence and abuse, often by teachers, has been a marked feature of the schooling experience of many boys as well as girls. Sexual abuse, pregnancy and poverty are factors increasing the dropout rate in secondary schooling.

Many bright young people are missing out on the chance of getting a higher education because they cannot afford it. There are not enough bursaries for students coming out of schools.

We have to do better. Our education system is in a shambles and we are not addressing the problem. We insist on using shortterm solutions for long-term goals. Most importantly, parents, as the primary caregivers of children, must be actively involved in the education of their children. NILOFAR DAWOOD

Sherwood