TO improve the education system and build a strong relationship with schools in the municipality, the Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, has embarked on an initiative to visit all eight high schools in the region, with plans to visit primary schools later this year.
With an overall matric pass rate of 76% for 2024, Bornman has decided to visit every high school in the municipality to meet with the school principals and their senior management teams to hear first-hand what challenges they might have.
He said that with the information obtained, he plans to submit a report to the municipality’s administration on the matters that the local municipality can assist with.
Bornman said that a second report would be submitted to the Provincial Department of Education outlining challenges that fall within their scope of responsibility.
Launching the programme at Hankey High School on February 4, he said that the overall improvement of education is a joint effort.
“Improving the education system and overall learner experience requires a whole-of-society approach, including National, Provincial, and Local Government, as well as parents, guardians, and civil society,” said Bornman.
He further said that the face-to-face interactions will provide him with the opportunity to build a strong relationship with all schools in the municipality.
Once the report is submitted to the Provincial Department of Education, Bornman said he will do an oversight visit with the department.
“I will invite the department to do oversights to the schools which require urgent assistance,” said Bornman.
Although he is focused on visiting high schools, he said that he will be visiting primary schools later this year.
In addition to inquiring about difficulties faced at each school, Bornman said that he would make use of the opportunity to share the exciting news of Kouga’s inaugural career exhibition.
As previously reported, the Kouga Municipality partnered with the Working World Exhibition to host the inaugural Kouga Careers Expo at Mentorskraal in Jeffreys Bay on April 10 and 11.
The exhibition will provide learners and unemployed youth access to the necessary resources for transitioning into education, training, and meaningful employment.
