Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

8 September, 2016

New award to highlight leadership excellence in after-school activities.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

In November, the WCED will host the 2016 Western Cape Teaching Awards Ceremony.

This is a highlight in our annual calendar as it provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate and thank some of our very special and committed educators in this Province. Winners in the Provincial Awards are then automatically nominated for the National Awards held by the Department of Basic Education.

This year, however, the WCED will be introducing a new award for the Provincial category only - The "After School Leadership Excellence Award".

This prestigious award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates passion and innovation in motivating their school team to provide creative, dynamic and interesting After School Programming to their learners.

In the Western Cape, one of our priorities is to expand access to quality after school programmes across the province.

The After School Game Changer is a critical intervention - not only to keep our children safe and occupied after school, but also to engage with them in extra-mural mathematics and language programmes, tutoring, sporting activities and cultural and behavioural programmes.

The After School Game Changer targets the following outcomes:

• Improved attitude towards learning
• Improved school outcomes
• Improved school retention
• Improved matric results
• Reduction in risk taking behaviour

The Western Cape Government has set itself the goal of more than doubling the participation of learners from disadvantaged schools in after school activities, and ensuring regular attendance. We aim to achieve this by significantly improving the attractiveness and quality of such programmes for learners by 2019.

This Game Changer will, however, not be possible without strong leaders that motivate and encourage not only their school staff, but also other government departments, NGOs and religious organisations to contribute to their school's after-school activities. Strong committed leadership lies at the heart of this Game Changer's success.

"Leaders" that are eligible for this prize include serving principals/deputy principals in a public school offering After School Programmes.

Winners will receive a floating trophy plus a cash payment of R20 000 which will be paid to the school.

The funding may be used to support professional development, ICT integration, reading materials or facility resources which will enhance the teaching and after school offerings at the school.

I would like to appeal to school communities to nominate someone who has made a difference in this programme in their community.

Nominees are requested to complete the Nomination Form (attached). Nominations close on the 30^th September 2016.

It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the hard work that many of our leaders and their teams put into the after-school programmes at our schools. I look forward to highlighting the positive interventions that are being implemented by these teams.

I will also be encouraging the National Minister, Angie Motshekga, to introduce a similar award at National level. While this award is based on criteria by the Western Cape Government, in line with our After School Game Changer, I believe that similar interventions across the country should be celebrated and acknowledged.

For more information contact: Bridget Hannah, Tel: 021 483 9953 or Email: Bridget.Hannah@westerncape.gov.za

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663