Inter Provincial Rural Educational Committee Study Tour in Western Cape
13 December 2023
The Inter-Provincial Rural Education Committee (IPREC) completed a two-day study tour in the Western Cape from on 16 and 17 November 2023. The meeting took place in Clanwilliam in the West Coast Education District. A delegation from the National Education Department as well as representatives from provinces were in attendance. The visit marked a critical interaction between education leaders and local rural communities.
On the first day, the IPREC team visited Augsburg Agricultural Gymnasium where the school principal and teachers showcased the farm where students engaged in sheep and cattle farming and the growing of vegetables. A display of learners’ welding indicated their ability to local iron manufacturing.
The delegation also visited the Rooibos Tea Company to learn about the history and production of this unique South African tea while enjoying a tasting session.
On the second day, IPREC members visited four rural schools: Langvlei Primary, Elandsfontein Primary, Elizabethsfontein Primary, and Sandberg Primary. Principals shared the schools' histories and successful practices, illustrating rural education's unique challenges and achievements.
A highlight was the cultural performance by Elizabethsfontein Primary School's dancers, who performed the traditional Riel dance showcasing the rich cultural heritage within these schools.
Dr. Langa, director of IPREC, thanked the Western Cape Education Department and the West Coast Education District for the insightful experience. This tour emphasized the significance of inter-provincial cooperation and learning by sharing of best practices to improve rural education in South Africa.
