Vuwani grade 12s start schooling again

Some 1 985 Grade 12 learners from Vuwani have started schooling again after having being relocated to three camps in Polokwane, Makhado and Tivumbeni where they will catch up with lost school work and thereafter write their mid-year exams.
“We will then determine what the position is at Vuwani before sending them back,” Naledzani Rasila, Head of Communications of the Department of Education told Polokwane Observer, adding they would not be sent back to a place where there is no schooling going on. Schooling has already been disrupted in the area for the last two months following violent protests and intimidation.
Some 299 learners are accommodated at Makhado, 893 at Tivumbeni and 793 at Mastech College in Seshego.
240 teachers from the Vuwani area, 56 of whom are in Seshego, have accompanied the learners and are teaching them subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Life Orientation, Agricultural Science, Life Science, History, Maths Literacy, Geography, Accounting, Business Management, English and Tshivenda.

Some 800 learners that were taught at a camp near Lwamondo by unqualified people wanting to assist as well as learners themselves, were also relocated to the different camps.
“They were desperate and tried to assist, but it is better to be taught by qualified teachers in accordance to the curriculum. We appreciate what they did,” Rasila said, “but we need to ensure the learners are in a safe environment with sanitation and security in place. We are accountable for the learners.”
He said one of the principals coordinates all aspects of the temporary stay at Mastech.

Photos & Story by: NELIE ERASMUS
>>nelie.observer@gmail.com

Featured Photo: Irene Mahwasane from Tshinavhe Secondary School teaches this group of Vuwani learners in Seshego.