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Media Release 19 January, 2005 | |
MEC previews 2005 school year By Mr Cameron Dugmore, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education WELCOME back to all our learners, and a very warm welcome to the grade 1's. I trust that all of you, our teachers and learners, enjoyed the holiday break, and used the valuable time to spend with family and loved ones. I want to urge all our principals to make sure that actual teaching starts on 19 January. Convene meetings with your Strategic Management Teams and School Governing Bodies, and prepare as thorough as possible. To the parents, please support your school by attending meetings, participate in the life of the school, support the fundraising activities, and assist your child by reading to him/her, and assist with school work. Those who can afford, pay your school fees, those who cannot, can apply for partial or full exemption. This year will see enormous challenges for us in education. To meet these challenges the department will seek partnerships with labour, business, local government, NGO's and other social partners. Schools cannot operate in a vacuum and require wider, sustained support. This year will see the launch of a new look Western Cape Education Foundation, which will be instrumental in blending partnerships into a real vehicle for transformation, equity and quality. Already we have, within a short space of time, been able to make crucial interventions in the following areas: As part of our Human Resource Development Strategy for the Western Cape for the next ten years, we are focusing on the youth, especially those who come from poor homes. The Vision of the strategy is to develop the relevant values, knowledge and skills of the young people of the Western Cape and so enhance their participation in a globally competitive economy and vibrant, caring society. The specific goals of the HRDS are: I am looking forward to the challenges of 2005, to work with our schools, teachers and parents, governing bodies and unions, to continue improving the quality of education in this province. We have a vision - a home for all. We have a plan - iKapa elihlumayo and our job as education is to develop the HRD strategy to implement the plan and fulfil the vision. Some challenges and priorities for 2005 The Western Cape Education Department is committed to improving performance and enhancing accountability, by redeploying some of our district and head office staff, including circuit managers, so that they will be optimally used and held accountable. Prioritise the areas of maths, science and accounting. Realigning our human resource strategy so that it supports all bands of education and develops learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to contribute to the provincial economy, fighting poverty and creating work. Make sure every high school has a computer lab by the end of next year, and in partnership with Multi-Choice, equip our schools with a satellite dish, television and VCR set. return to: Home | Media Releases Index page | |
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