Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) agreed to a modified proposal to use Cuban specialists to assist teachers, when it met in Pretoria on Monday (15 April 2002).

The proposal will be implemented later this year. The intention is to have 24 Cuban tutors in the country over a period of three years, with a view to developing the subject knowledge and skills of mathematics and science teachers.

The Western Cape will not be making use of the Cuban specialists. Other provinces require this support to a greater extent. We already have the appropriate support mechanisms and skilled curriculum support officials for the task envisaged.

Our educators are mainly Afrikaans speaking in rural areas, so language would be a issue. Given the support we are already providing, we cannot justify the costs of taking on the Cuban specialists. These costs include accommodation, and medical and insurance expenses.

Enquiries: André Gaum 082-550-3938