Free State educationMEC, Tate Makgoe’s volunteer programmeto get officials to help underperforming schools reach the targeted 85 percent matric pass rate in 2013, has taken off.
The MEC announced this target at an occasion to celebrate the 2012 matric at the Central University of Technology last year, and now he is working around the clock to achieve the high score that he set for himself to ensure that the learners get quality education.
Departmental spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, revealed that Makgoe has met with selfless volunteers to map a way forward on how to assist various under-performing schools to improve their results.
The services offered by the volunteers’ ranges from counseling, motivation and teaching. The aim is to ensure that learners in these schools are mentally ready to perform well. Forty three volunteers have signed for the programme already.
Makgoe said the main objective of the programme is to offer learners additional support without replacing the existing staff in these schools. The volunteers will work together with teachers to improve school performances.
The programme includes fixing IT equipment of schools, bookkeeping and financial management, as well as assisting in matters relating to the curriculum, especially mathematics and science.
Speaking to the volunteers at their first meeting, Makgoe urged them to use their spare time to lend a helping hand in the delivery of quality education. He also called on more officials to sign up for the programme.
A retired official, Nobandile Yose, who served the department for 40 years,will be offering counseling and support to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Yose said she joined the programme because she believes learners from poor backgrounds need emotional support which can help them improve their academic performance.
She has previously paid the registration fee for a financially stressed student of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Free State, and believes many learners can reach their dreams with the right support.
Another volunteer who has offered her assistance to the department is Elana van der Merwe, a subject advisor in the Xhariep district and part time lecturer at the University of Free State. Van der Merwe is passionate about community development and she believes that every child has a right to quality education.
She is giving extra classes to learners as well as administrative support at Dr. Blok High School in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
Comments are closed.