THE debate about a shortage of schools and specialised education facilities in the City of uMhlathuze is raging as the closing dates for next year’s intake for many have come and gone.
The Zululand Observer has been inundated with reports from parents who say schools with an acceptable standard of education, basic ablution facilities and accessible transport routes are out of reach – geographically and financially.
A reliable source who, for professional reasons chooses to remain anonymous, says children from many rural schools are forced to use potties in full view of the other children. The bush is not an option because there they can be abducted and raped.
Some rural school toilets are so filthy that children just squat anywhere inside where they are at least private.
While some educators are achieving miracles with their limited resources, there are several documented cases of others who abuse the vulnerability and desperation of children and teenage girls in their care.
More acceptable schools are filled to capacity, but even here are complaints about children stashed into unroadworthy vehicles like sardines, because parents cannot afford better transport and pool together with whatever means they have.
Special needs children with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy and barriers to learnering, struggle to find facilities which can cater for them adequately.
Special education is virtually unaffordable for middle-class people, not to mention poorer communities where the needs are even greater.
Though these schools, both private and government subsidised, attempt to lower costs through fund-raising to subsidise children from lower income groups, it is a drop in the bucket.
Home school challenges
Home schooling and private tutors have gained tremendous popularity to cater for children who fall out of the main stream, but but home schoolers battle to secure premises for the growing demand.
Hampered by complaints from other residents, exorbitant municipal road levy policies, delays in approval for building extensions and unable to bring down costs, they also barely survive the harsh economic climate and non-payment of school fees.
Private schools are unaffordable for most, though most also take rural schools under their wing to help lift the standard where they can.
‘No child should be excluded from quality education,’ says Dr Marianne Truter, deputy principal of Veldenvlei Primary, in her PhD Thesis ‘Education in the best interests of the child: a case study of rural schools in KZN’.
‘Schools should be managed to ensure all children can learn in a child-friendly, safe and stimulating environment for its learners to reach their full potential.
‘South Africa’s education system performs poorly and lags behind much poorer countries which spend less on education,’ Truter wrote.
‘South Africa has experienced important political, legal and social changes since 1994, but in spite of many positive changes, the education system is characterised by great inequalities and considerable differences regarding learners’ access to quality education.
‘All families, including those in rural areas, would like to see their children attain success through formal and effective education.
‘The majority of rural schools in KZN are poor, dysfunctional and unable to equip learners with the necessary skills.’
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