Pretoria - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has urged all South Africans who are experts in matric subjects to volunteer to assist with teaching during the public service strike which has caused a disruption in schooling.
"We call on all interested persons to answer the call to help support learning and teaching during this period of disruption of schooling and beyond," Motshekga said.
She added that volunteers, particularly retired and student teachers, parents and community members and non -government organisations involved in education programmes, who are able to offer their time and effort are requested to help keep children occupied in meaningful education activities.
Interested persons can contact the department's call centre on 0800 202 933 or email classof2010@dbe.gov.za and submit their details. The public is also encouraged to visit the department's Facebook page at www.groups.to/dbevolunteers.
The minister said that the department was busy setting up learning centres particularly for Grade 12 learners so that they could complete their curriculum and begin meaningful revision before their examinations start on 25 October 2010.
Motshekga encouraged Grade 12 learners to remain focused and commended those who have shown their determination to keep studying and revise by forming study groups on their own.
She also urged matriculants to make use of the programmes aired daily on SABC Education radio and television programmes and to access past examination papers and study guides from the department's website.
"The department is working closely with its partners such as SABC Education, the International Marketing Council, Supersport and many others such as the United Nations Children's Fund to make available both study and revision materials for Grade 12s and suitable materials for younger learners," said Matshekga.
She further called on parents and communities to find ways of keeping younger learners engaged in active learning and enrichment programmes.
