Karenne Bloomgarden of Simbithi writes:
These last few weeks I have been online, watching the news, WhatsApp and webinars about inequality of education.
On the one hand I think it is wonderful to see such amazing suggestions and websites about online learning, but what about the children who live in areas where there is no internet, they have no devices or data?
Over the years the Education Department has given 20+ tablets to most schools. I have been in over 50 primary schools in our area and if the tablets haven’t been stolen, they are not being used or there is no Internet, and no one has given instructions on how to use the tablets.
The pandemic did not cause these problems, it has brought to light what has been going on for years.
We need education to be a priority.
We need to instil in our communities the need to protect and defend their children’s rights to a quality education; that also includes reporting those who steal and break into our schools and take what little resources we have for the children.
There are many groups and individuals reaching out to feed the children during the lockdown, but we need to do more.
I couldn’t stay in a one-room home with three to six people and not go outside for five weeks.
I don’t have the answer, but I know for sure, things have to change.
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