Soweto Community encourages learners to stay in school

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The discussion with participants from Soweto and neighbouring townships was facilitated by Tim Modise of Power FM. The panel consisted of Professor Adam Habib of WITS University; Panzaya Lesufi of the Department of Basic Education; Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele of Higher Education South Africa and Rosie Chirongoma from Symphonia.

A number of solutions were proposed by both the panel members and the community.

Chirongoma in her opening speech challenged everyone to play their part in supporting learners and students to acquire an education. "As community we all have a role to play. Find out what the needs of the school and or the learners are that you can provide. It does not have to be money, it could be community policing whereby you take fear away from learners and they can walk from home to school freely. Or could be a talent that you have and that you can teach them," said Chirongoma.

Professor Habib also suggested that "We put aside the policy and the nature of educational methodology. There are simple solutions that can make a huge difference in our schools. Some girl children do not go to schools because there are no toilets, a simple and practical solution for this is to build toilets and the problem is solved. Drive around Soweto in the morning during school hours and you will see learners in school uniform outside the school. Those learners are missing out on the opportunity to get education. Get learners in class, get teachers in class and allow for education to take place," said Professor Habib. "Get the basics right and everything will fall into place."