CIE: An estimated 500 000 learners have left the schooling system
Catholic Institute of Education Statement on School Attendance –
The Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) notes with concern the numbers of learners out of Education due to the Global Coronavirus pandemic.
An estimated 500 000 learners have left the schooling system. In addition, those who are in schools, have had their access to Education reduced by 50%-70% according to the latest NIDSCRAM data.
The law is unchanged with regards to parents’ responsibilities to ensure children access Education and it remains a criminal offence to keep children out of school.
The Department of Basic Education is calling on all parents to return their children to schools based on scientific evidence specific to South Africa, which show children have a reduced risk of contracting COVID.
The risks are further reduced when strict protocols are observed, children must wear masks at all times and wash their hands regularly. The Education Department in partnership with civil society partners has vaccinated 800 000 education personnel.
Catholic Schools educators have received the vaccine through this roll out including educators in the Independent Schooling sector who were registered by the CIE.
We call on parents to be partners in Education as we work with the Department of Basic Education to reverse the loss in teaching time and to lead schools in the recovery efforts of the nation.
We call on our schools to ensure the health and safety of all people in the school community. With the risk of Educators spreading the virus to learners mitigated, schools in South Africa are once again safe for learning.
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