Thobela Malotana, the principal of Walter Teka Primary School in Nyanga, has called on all schools to see the benefits of registering with the Western Cape Primary Science Programme (PSP).
The programme provides support and resources to teachers in under-resourced primary schools in poor communities with a particular focus on languages as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem).
Mr Malotana reflected on his school’s two year partnership with the programme during a “day of education” celebration hosted by Walter Teka Primary on Saturday November 9.
Entshona, John Pama, Andile and Mkhanyiseli primary schools participated in the event.
Mr Malotana said schools that were not part of the programme should consider joining it and he also encouraged parents to be part of their children’s education and support teachers in their efforts.
“We are faced with challenges in the education sector because of the shortage of resources. Which is understandable. But since we have been with the PSP we are incredibly proud of our partnership with them. There are positive impacts that the programme has had with us. The curriculum support has assisted teachers to be more confident. That has provided our children with the opportunity to explore concepts and develop important critical thinking skills. The support that the programme offered is tremendous. We are starting to see the improvement in results,” he said.
An investment in education was an investment in the future of the country, he said.
“In order for us to win the battle of changing the lives of the children, parents need to play the role in support of the children. Parents need to know more about education. They need to hold us accountable for their children’s education. We urge the support of parents. They must remember that we are the hope of these children.”
PSP’s Novosti Buta said the day was about celebrating the work done by teachers.
“Teachers can, today, stand proud of their work. Today is also about children and their future,” said Mr Buta.
He said programme’s emphasis on Stem subjects was now bearing fruit.
“Today we are so excited to see what our children can achieve. We are proud to have taken this route with primary schools. The aim was to teach them before they grow. For example, so many subjects at the primary level are done in their mother tongue, which is Xhosa here. We felt they need to have English for their transformation to the higher level. We are at least winning that battle because children are taught basics at an early age.”
