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By Akani Nkuna
The Basic Education Department has stressed the role of Representative Council of Learners (RCL) in helping combat social ills affecting the broader community, learners and schools across the country, saying that it was important for no pupils to be left behind.
“As you have the opportunity and you are at an advantage, you are ahead and have got all these privileges that you have, do not dare leave those [without] behind…, people from Eastern Cape, Ezilalin, do not have an equal footing for opportunities, but we do not leave them behind because those that you leave behind because of your privilege are your obstacles as you progress in life,” Basic Education chief director James Ndlebe.
“You cannot be successful when the rest is not successful. Your success depends on the success of those that you are leading.”
Ndlebe was speaking at the three-day Learner-Leadership Summit at Anew Hotel and Convention Centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
Addressing an audience of RCL members from the nine provinces, educators, policymakers, civil society organisations and development partners, he highlighted the importance of shaping a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system which catered for the needs of the most vulnerable learners.
He warned that leaving the less privileged behind perpetuated poverty stereotypes, and increased their chances of abusing drugs, leading to crime, gender-based violence and dysfunctional households.
“When you carry them along and become successful, then you do not have to worry about where you drive your expensive car. Where you live, where you walk in the streets because you do not have to look around who is going to snatch your phone because you have made sure everybody is carried along. And that is the responsibility of the RCL,” Ndlebe added.
The summit convened under the theme “Strengthening Foundations for Learning Towards a Resilient Future-Fit Education”. It featured presentations by RCL members and presidents of eight provinces, who shared innovative ideas and initiatives to combat challenges faced by pupils and the youth at large.
The North West RCL leadership presented a support mobile app and data-free website aimed at tackling the issue of drug addiction amongst the youth. It provides a virtual community-based environment where learners can engage with experts on issues of mental health and struggles.
They said the app would broaden its scope to address various social ills.
Limpopo RCL leaders highlighted the importance of practical skills particularly in agriculture to address the growing levels of unemployment. They also advocated for high market skills to be taught to from a young age.
“By providing learners with practical skills, promoting environmental awareness and fostering community involvement, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all,” they said.
They spoke about the Limpopo Green Education Project, which promoted environmental awareness, enhanced the development of practical skills and ensured that there was food security in the province.
Representatives from the Western Cape were absent during the session following their flights being delayed due to a severe cold front in Cape Town.
The second day of the summit will include the RCL national elections.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is expected to announce the new leaders on Friday.
INSIDE EDUCATION