'Bring down the numbers'

2005-03-24 09:21

Nombini Matomela

Cape Town - Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore says the province is facing the most critical challenge of finalising an admission policy for schools in the province.

Speaking at a two-day conference on education here today, Mr Dugmore said the envisaged policy would attempt to minimise overcrowding in classrooms at some schools.

"If we want to create a climate for the provision of quality education, we need to bring down the numbers of overcrowded classrooms and make optimal use of available space.

"This policy together with our early admission campaign are central to making sure that we establish a learning home for all our learners," MEC Dugmore said.

He also assured everyone that his department was committed to full consultations with relevant stakeholders in that regard.

Regarding the country's achievements in the past ten years, the MEC expressed regret that some children were still battling for access to public schools.

It is therefore hoped that the school capacity guideline will be of great assistance to curb this problem.

"There must be an acceptance that all our 1 471 public schools belong to all our children; African, coloured, white, rich, poor, middle class, Christian, Muslim, Jew".

He however appealed for frank discussions driven by the aspiration to find solutions to existing problems regarding education in the province.- BuaNews

- I-Net Bridge (News24)