PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR RURAL SCHOOLS SELECT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND RECREATION 10 November 2009

BACKGROUND February 2005, the Nelson Mandela Foundation launched a report on rural education titled, Emerging Voices: a Report on Education in South African Rural Communities. June 2005, a report on rural education emerged from the Ministerial Committee on Rural Education entitled A New Vision for Rural Schooling. The report made 82 specific recommendations.

The Framework has undergone a number of consultations. BACKGROUND The Department embarked on developing a Framework for Quality Education in Rural Areas in 2007. The Framework has undergone a number of consultations. The CEM of 27 June 2009: accepted the focus areas of the Framework recommended that a cluster on rural development, infrastructure and budgetary aspects be established

THE FOCUS OF THE FRAMEWORK The Framework calls on all education role players to sharpen their focus towards the delivery of quality education in rural and farm schools. Strategic objectives: To ensure access and retention of learners in rural and farm schools. To improve the quality of teaching and learning in rural and farm schools. To initiate sustainable partnerships.

FIVE FOCUS AREAS FOR ACTION Improving the quality of teaching and learning in rural and farm schools Attracting and retaining learners and educators at rural and farm schools Improving infrastructure at rural and farm schools Building effective school governance and the management of rural and farm schools Promoting advocacy and sustainable partnerships

A NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Develop a national integrated implementation strategy for the advancement of quality education and promotion of access to education at rural and farm schools. (BASED ON THE….) The five key focus areas listed in the National Framework for Quality Education in Rural Areas

TARGET AREAS OF THE STRATEGY The strategy proposes to target the following areas for improving rural and farm schools: Improving quality learning and teaching programmes Exploring the possibility of using school hostels where appropriate Safe and reliable transport services in rural areas School infrastructure improvement

APPROACH A phased approach, targeting an initial 450 rural schools over a period of 3 years in all nine provinces. Develop criteria for the selection of primary & secondary schools in collaboration with provinces. The eradication of ‘Mud schools’ and unsafe structures will be prioritised.