Parents not satisfied with the educational system

MASHISHING – Recent complaints, which seem to stem from a misunderstanding according to principals, poured in after parents were not satisfied with the educational system. This came after children complained of not having sufficient stationary, even though their school funds had been paid.

According to various principals in the community, parents are not informed about the current situation and therefore don’t have proper knowledge of how the educational system works, especially those who don’t attend important meetings.

“Parents should register their kids in time so that teachers can order books according to the number of learners whom were admitted to the specific school,” one of them said.

“Late admissions as well as an increase in the number of enrolments in our schools seem to be the main causes of shortage of books. The parents of the learners sometimes disrespect us and don’t take us seriously,” Mr Tshepo Mokwena, principal of Skhila Secondary School, said.

“We inform the parents to register and re-register their kids as early as September so they are not left behind, but still they come after the deadline of admission and demand that their kids get education. Numerous times we did them a favour by still admitting their kids in our schools,” Mr Ruben Mkhabela, principal of Mashishing Secondary School, said. Although it seems to be an immense problem at certain schools, some do not experience this problem at all.

“There is no problem at our school. The number of enrolments has increased and therefore we have to order a few extra books,” Mr Mahlasela, principal of the Lesodi Primary School, said. Kellysville’s vice-principal added that his school was not experiencing this problem. “We are just still waiting for the ordered books.”

Teachers urge parents to frequently visit their children’s schools and discuss problems with the teachers. They furthermore advise them not to believe every word their kids tell them, without having consulted all the necessary parties. “Teachers are trying hard to protect their learners as much as possible.”