Western Cape Education Calls for Volunteers to Supervise Learners during the Strike | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Education Calls for Volunteers to Supervise Learners during the Strike

22 August 2010

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape is calling on volunteers to help assist the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in supervising learners at schools affected by the recent industrial strike action.

"Although the majority of our schools are functioning as per normal, there a number of schools where assistance would be greatly appreciated. We welcome any volunteers, especially those with an education background such as retired teachers, to come assist us in supervising learners at schools," said Western Cape Minister for Education Donald Grant on Monday.

"Parents, students and community members are encouraged to call their local schools directly to ask if they need assistance. If there is no need in your direct area one can also call our toll free number on 0800 200 506 which will direct them to their nearest district office."

Grant said that the WCED's district offices will then allocate volunteers to schools that have been affected, or will take down their names for use when the need arises.

"Our communities can play a vital role in ensuring that learners are supervised during this period and that they can continue to read, write and calculate everyday in a quiet, controlled environment," he said.

"This is especially important for our Grade 12s, who have only fifty (50) days to go before the first practical examination of the National Senior Certificate (NSC)."

Grant added that anyone who volunteered to assist would be doing it at their own expense and that the WCED would not be paying volunteers for services rendered.

"In such a difficult time, we hope that our communities rally behind our learners to ensure that they can continue to learn in a safe, supervised environment."

Media Enquiries: 

Bronagh Casey
Spokesperson
Minister of Education, Donald Grant
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2377
Cell: 072 724 1422