Duduza – The Learner Psycho-Social Support Directorate, through the Life Skills HIV/AIDS Unit in the Gauteng East District, hosted a Parental Involvement Workshop at Dan Radebe Primary School on November 1.

The session brought together about 500 parents from Dan Radebe Primary and NN Ndebele Secondary School as part of the district’s ongoing effort to strengthen communication and collaboration between schools and families.

Now in its fourth year, the annual programme aims to bridge the gap between what the learners are taught at school and the conversations that take place at home regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH), HIV education, and life skills.

Event organiser and project manager Dumisile Koopa said the goal is to reduce rising concerns such as learner pregnancy, drug use, bullying, early sexual debut, and suicide among learners.

“This approach is used to mitigate the increasing risk of learner pregnancy and to foster joint responsibility in influencing learner behaviour. Social ills have a negative effect on learning and affect overall learner performance,” Koopa explained.

The workshop also brought together various stakeholders who presented on these issues, offering insight into how they affect their sectors and sharing potential solutions.

A team from Standard Bank provided parents with financial literacy guidance, further contributing to learner and household well-being. Malamlela Nxumalo, the principal of Dan Radebe Primary School, said the event achieved its goal.

“The workshop strengthened collaboration between schools, parents, and the Department of Education in promoting learner well-being and academic success. It was a reflection of teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of empowering parents,” he said.

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