Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital supports children’s learning
9 September 2020
As part of Mandela Month, Minister Debbie Schäfer visited the school at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital to hear more about the work staff are doing to ensure that children’s education continue even when they are in hospital.
Principal Michelle Shargey leads a small team of dedicated staff members who work tirelessly in the classroom and at patients’ bedsides to teach a variety of subjects and grades.
Minister Schäfer and the school’s Circuit Manager from the Metro Central Education District office, Ms Desire Christians, had an in-depth discussion with the principal about the challenges the school faces and what further support the department can provide.
As the visit took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Shargey also highlighted the safety protocols the school has implemented, including temperature screening for staff and learners, social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser.
Ms Shargey, along with the RCWMCH CEO, Dr Matodzi Mukosi, and Medical Manager, Dr Anita Parbhoo, accepted a donation of stationery from the Minister to assist learners while they in hospital, as well as for inclusion in take-home work packs when they are discharged.
In early August, the Minister was interviewed by Alex White, one of the Young Reporters for the hospital’s radio station RX Radio. The station is an incredible initiative which broadcasts radio programming for children, by children – and offers children at the hospital an opportunity to share their stories in an empowering way.
Visit http://rxradio.co.za/ to learn more about the station and its programming. The interview with the Minister is available in two parts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1F5j-YLrJ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G9emwbHfpc