The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) hosted an Inter-Country Sharing Meeting in the Uthukela District from September 5 to 7.
The meeting was attended by delegates from South Africa, Ghana, Burkina Faso, India and Germany. South Africa was chosen to host the first Sharing Meeting of this international project aimed at piloting inclusive school development. The Uthukela District of KZNDoE was identified to implement the South Africa project called the ‘Uthukela Inclusive Education in Action’ project.
The KZNDoE is partnering with MIET Africa, a South African NGO, and Africa Action / Deutschland e.V. (aa/D) on this international project aimed at piloting inclusive school development to improve education access, retention and progression for all children and youth. The strategy aims to address all barriers to learning that pupils experience, including those related to curriculum, disability, orphans, poverty, hunger and poor nutrition.
The opening ceremony, held on September 5 at Inkanyezi Special School’s resource centre, was conducted by KZNDoE Uthukela District director Mr MJ Mazibuko. During the course of the day, delegates visited classes in the pilot schools, Inkanyezi SSRC, Lokothwayo Combined and Madlala Full Service School, where they observed promising practices and innovation approaches to addressing challenges.
A gala dinner was held on September 6 at Hunter’s Lodge, where delegates all dressed in traditional dress were welcomed by uThukela Mayor Dudu Mazibuko. Dr Gumede (general manager of Rural & Inclusive Education) expressed his gratitude to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) for generously funding the project.
