Pretoria - Radio programmes, weekend classes and toll free lines are some of the initiatives the Mpumalanga Department of Education has initiated to help learners catch up on teaching time lost during Tuesday's public servants' strike.
With the Grade 12 exams just two months away, the department is determined not to leave learners at a disadvantage.
One way it intends helping learners is through radio programmes that will broadcast daily lessons, the department said.
SABC radio stations Ikwekwezi FM and Ligwalagwala FM in collaboration with the department will broadcast the lessons twice a day, from 14:00 to 15:00 and from 21:00 to 21:45.
"These slots are utilised to explain difficult concepts and to enrich content knowledge. Subject specialists are deployed to talk about various subject content material of addressing recurring problems that learners face," the department added.
Another initiative aimed at helping pupils who are studying at home is the Dial a Tutor Programme. Learners have the option of calling a toll free line - 0800 203 116 - from 18:00 to 22:00, from Monday to Thursday. When learners call the number a curriculum specialist expert will be on the other end of the line to offer them guidance.
The department is also implementing Saturday classes to bring learners up to speed and spring classes will run from 27 September to 1 October for Grade 12 pupils.
"This will add impetus in our quest to cover the lost time and to improve learner performance," the department said.
Parents have also been encouraged to get involved by providing a home environment that will enable learners to focus on their studies.
The department asked for parents' support in motivating and supporting learners.
