Chief whip concerned about struggling learners
“These learners struggle with reading and solving numbers and this ends up adding to the number of poor performance in the schools.”
Kwa-Thema – Chief whip of the ANC in Ekurhuleni Jongizizwe Dlabathi is concerned about the poor performance of learners, especially in mathematics and physical sciences.
He was speaking during the annual School Readiness Programme meeting at Tlakula Secondary School last Friday.
Dlabathi adopted the school in 2017 as part of the Adopt-a-School Programme to improve their academic results, revive the sport and ensure the school’s infrastructural maintenance.
Since then, the school’s matric results have improved from 57% in 2016 to 83.2% in 2021, subsequently claiming the first position in Kwa-Thema secondary schools.
He said the Grade Eight statistics are concerning as a high number of learners were progressed from primary school and ended up limping to the next grades.
“These learners struggle with reading and solving numbers and this ends up adding to the number of poor performance in the schools.
“Teachers are forced to perform miracles over the years to ensure these learners are pushed to improve their grades.
“As a country, we need to have a sober conversation about some of the learners who are not supposed to be in traditional schools but enrolled in vocational institutions,” he explained.
Also read: Kwa-Thema matric class of 2021 results
The chief whip urged parents to take an interest in their children’s education and attend school meetings.
“Teachers cannot win without the support of the parents and community, everyone has to pull in the same direction.”
During the meeting, Dlabathi announced his intentions to move the initiative to other struggling schools in the metro.
“I decided to adopt the school to help improve their grades. They are now stable and doing well. It is time to extend the programme to other schools.
“Over the years, I have identified the positive impact the programme had on the school. The morale of everyone in the school has improved over the years,” he added.
Dlabathi stated he is concerned about Lefa-Ifa Secondary School and will be moving the initiative to the school and other struggling schools in the metro.
Also read: Tlakula Secondary School invites Grade 10 and 11 learners to return to school
Councillors are urged to adopt a school in their wards, as it has proven over the years that it has the potential to yield remarkable results.
Tlakula Secondary principal Nonhlanhla Thembekwayo said they have a challenge of drug abuse in the school.
“It is unfortunate that the parents of troubled learners don’t take an interest in their children’s education. There was a time we had to go to homes to seek the parent’s support.
“We also urge law enforcement officers to respond timeously when we need them,” she added.
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