 The Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, launched the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign in October 2008. The campaign calls on all individuals and organisations to assume responsibility for improving the quality of education. The education elements of the campaign will:
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Inform citizens about the importance of education, and their roles, responsibilities and obligations towards education;
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Mobilize communities to monitor and support schools, teachers and learners;
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Improve the quality of education for all children, especially the poor, and to demonstrate this improved quality through better learner achievements.
CODE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION
The power to improve education lies with all of us. We call on all department officials, teachers, students, parents and community members to make a commitment to a ‘Code for Quality Education’.
As a DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIAL, I promise to:
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Ensure all schools receive the necessary resources in time for teaching to commence;
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Ensure that all schools have their full staff allocation and that any vacancies are filled without delay;
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Improve my own knowledge and skills base to be more effective;
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Always be available to assist schools, principals and teachers;
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Respond to requests or concerns of education stakeholders;
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Visit all schools within the district on a regular basis;
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Monitor teacher and student attendance and ensure no child is out of school;
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Assist all schools to improve their performance, ensuring regular tests are conducted and results are reported to parents.
As a TEACHER, in line with the SACE Code of Professional Ethics, I promise to:
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Teach, to advance the education and the development pf learners as individuals;
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Respect the dignity and rights of all persons without prejudice;
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Develop loyalty and respect for the profession;
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Be punctual, enthusiastic, well prepared for lessons and be of sober mind and body;
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Improve my own knowledge and skills base to be more effective;
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Maintain good communication between teachers and students, among teachers’ themselves and between teachers and parents;
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Provide regular information to parents on their children’s progress;
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Eliminate unprofessional behaviour such as teacher-pupil relationships; drunkenness, drug use, assault, sexual harassment of others;
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Make myself available to provide extra-mural activities.
As a LEARNER, I promise to:
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Accept that the main reason for being in school is to learn and develop academically, socially, and culturally;
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Adhere to the school rules;
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Respect the legitimacy and authority for teachers;
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Participate in Learner Representative Councils (LRCs) to safeguard my interests;
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Show respect to the other learners and not discriminate;
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Avoid anti-social behaviour like theft, vandalism, assault, sexual harassment, alcohol and drug use and other activities that disrupt the learning process.
As a PARENT, I promise to:
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Involve myself actively in school governance structures;
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Have regular discussions with my children about general school matters;
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Cultivate a healthy, open and co-operative relationship with my children’s teachers;
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Create a home environment conducive to study;
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Assist in the protection of educational resources such as textbooks, chairs, tables and others.
As a COMMUNITY, we promise to:
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Ensure that every school-going child is at school;
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Ensure a safe and crime-free environment for schooling and to protect the school and its assets from vandalism;
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Monitor the performance of schools and report problems to relevant authorities.
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