By BAKANG MOKOTO
31 October 2024- In efforts to mobilize parents and communities in supporting learners, particularly during the demanding examination period, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, held a crucial engagement session with School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and ward councillors from underperforming schools at Victory Primary School in Mahikeng on 30 October 2024.
The department is making a heartfelt appeal to parents to step forward and support learners by providing vital assistance at school incubation camps, which require additional manpower to operate effectively. Motsumi emphasises that the role of SGBs should extend beyond administrative tasks to focus on enhancing teaching and learning quality.
“When we launched the last push campaign in September, we called on all stakeholders including the parent component to rally behind our candidates during the examination time to acquire the desired results at the end of the year.
“Now, we need to take action on the last push we launched knowing that it takes a village to raise a child. I urge every SGB member to prioritise the learners’ best interests above all else. We need SGBs that are committed to fostering a curriculum that truly supports our learners,” she said.
Motsumi further said the session underscores that many SGBs in underperforming schools dedicate excessive time to administrative responsibilities, often overlooking their critical role in actively managing and monitoring educational quality, which is essential for improving learner outcomes. She added that simultaneously, similar engagement sessions are taking place across all four districts in the province, led by senior officials from the department, to ensure a united effort in addressing educational challenges at all levels.
“The department is encouraged by the commitment of newly-elected SGBs in schools facing performance challenges. Their active involvement will be pivotal in enhancing school operations, addressing community needs, and improving learner success,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 