The Department of Education recently opened its doors to stakeholders at Bethamoya High School in Madadeni, with an intention to assist the school in addressing the social ills that have escalated amongst the learners.
Such challenges they face include bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activities and teenage pregnancy, amongst others. The Circuit Manager, Simphiwe Vilakazi, was earlier this year informed of a violent incident that transpired in the school which involved violence amongst some learners. From that incident, he then contacted Sanele Ndlovu, District Manager of Educational Support Services Trust, which is a District-based NPO that specialises in addressing behavioural problems and promotes health issues amongst learners. “Our approach of addressing behavioural challenges amongst both primary and high school learners is that of a multi-sectoral engagement.
This is solely based on avoiding duplication of programmes within a school and to work without competing with other stakeholders. This approach helps tackle multiple challenges in a limited time as we have discovered that no specific type of social ill is not motivated by another. “Hence, we have invited Community Safety and Liaison, Madadeni SAPS, Amajuba District Municipality Community Services, Department of Correctional Services, Amajuba TVET College, Christian Social Services Crime Prevention, Mpilonhle and Future Women Warriors to this specific campaign in Bethamoya High School, who all delivered talks relevant to their constituencies and how they can assist the learners and their families to be rid of the social ills they face,” explained Sanele Ndlovu, who is also the team leader. These stakeholders commenced their interventions since the schools re-opened and are willing to also reach out to more schools within the district that might be willing to be assisted with addressing their challenges. Should any school be in need of similar intervention, Ndlovu may be contacted on 083-396-4947, or via email on 1223@webmail.co.za.
