We are in the second week of schools starting up again, and at the same time we have seen stories of joy this past week as matriculants particularly those who have had to overcome many obstacles celebrate their massive milestones. However, though we can celebrate theses amazing achievements of these learners-we still have to dig deeper into the real reality of education in South Africa.
The reality is that when we dig deeper into the statistics- it truly shows another reality, a reality that if not addressed we will be in serious issues in years to come. When you look at the 82.9% pass rate this year-it does not take into account the high dropout rates– which then unveils that the matric pass rate is far lower compared to other years. That’s because from over 1.2 million learners starting grade 1 in 2012, only 691 000 learners wrote their matric exams.
This is a dire picture and the very reality we see on the ground as Arise. And yet, we know that there is hope in this country and when there is hope this becomes an essential thread for addressing these challenges.
As an NGO, Arise, stands at the forefront of a transformative movement of strengthening families, working alongside resilient school communities to overcome obstacles and break barriers that hinder the pursuit of education for all.
Challenges in South African Schools:
As South Africans we are very aware that schools grapple with multifaceted challenges, from low literacy rates and overwhelmed teachers to high pregnancy rates among students. In areas marked by high violence, the risk of children dropping out of school looms large. Despite these adversities, there are stories of inspiration—principals, leaders, and remarkable teachers going above and beyond to create nurturing learning environments.
This is the hope we hold onto that when we shine a light on these amazing schools then we too can have a ripple effect throughout the country. However, we should not be ignoring the very real realities that educators are struggling with because many educators are also leaving the field as they do not have the support, skills or knowledge to deal with some very serious behaviours and social ills that are affecting them all-making schools not a safe space to be in for both the educators and the learners.
The Call for Support:
Recognizing the commendable efforts of these schools and the amazing principals and educators doing the best they can with what they have, Arise advocates for a collaborative approach to education. The challenges are immense, but the potential for positive change is equally significant.
Arise envisions a partnership model that involves corporates, small businesses, and anyone willing to contribute their resources, expertise, and influence to strengthen schools, not only in mainstream education but also in schools of trade and skills development.
Educators need wellness support not only upskilling on education focused programmes but also on mental health, self-care, medical support and financial support too. When we take care of educators needs we will be able to retain Our learners and families need the psychosocial educational support starting as young as possible. Psychosocial support is not only counselling or focused on life skills but a place where children and families feel seen, heard and validated but also given practical skills in their context that they can use and see a difference for their lives.
The saying goes, “you can’t teach a hungry child.” But Arise also says, “You can’t teach children in a state of heighten trauma.”
Supporting Alternative Paths:
In underserved communities, education should not be confined to traditional classrooms alone. Arise acknowledges the diverse talents and potential of young people and seeks to support alternative paths to sustainability. The reality is that many of our children should be in alternative education such a school of skills and we believe that resources need to be guided there. Many of our children because of their starting point in life (early exposure to substance abuse in utero to violence in the home etc) their brain has be rewired and their abilities are different to those in a mainstream school.
By fostering partnerships with businesses, we should aim to create opportunities for skill development, empowering youth to sustain themselves through avenues beyond conventional academic pursuits. We need youth that are able to enter the workforce confidentilty no matter what skills and knowledge they have. We need youth that are able to critically think, use initiatives and adapt the changes within the workforce.
Arise’s Inclusive Approach:
An inclusive approach to education should seek to accommodate the diverse needs of all children, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or challenges. Creating an inclusive education system requires a multifaceted and proactive strategy. We need to be looking at policy & legislation, ongoing professional development for educators and those involved in the sector, relook at our curriculum, improved facilities and resources (such as all schools should have a library), and most importantly, each child who cannot be in a mainstream school should have an individual education plan on how they will leave ready for the workforce.
Arise is committed to being part a tangible change and impact on South African schools by addressing the root causes of some of these challenges. We believe that we need to increase caregiver involvement for deep impact, recognizing the vital role families play in a child’s educational journey.
Moreover, Arise is dedicated to supporting teachers in understanding continuous trauma, fostering felt safety, and promoting mental health in the classroom. This is because schools become a microcosm of what we see in the outer communities. This is vital on understanding that healthy relationships between educators, learners and caregivers are essential in helping address some of the issues we see. However, this cannot be done without empathy.
Partnerships for Progress:
The partnership model advocated by Arise extends beyond financial contributions. It involves leveraging the expertise and resources of businesses to enhance school infrastructure, provide mentorship programs, and facilitate skills development initiatives. By forging these partnerships, we strive to create a network of support that empowers schools to navigate and overcome the complex challenges they face. The question would be, how are you going to get involved?
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of education for all, Arise believes that all children should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential in a thriving environment. Therefore, we are advocating for collaborative efforts that break down barriers in South African schools. The challenges may be daunting, but the resilience of communities, coupled with strategic partnerships, holds the promise of transformative change. By fostering a shared commitment to education, Arise envisions a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of South Africa’s success. Together, we can build a foundation for a brighter tomorrow!