KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Senzo Mchunu launched a campaign aimed at reducing the high rate of learner pregnancy and substance abuse by school children this week.
Through the campaign called “My Life, My Future”, the department plans to engage parents, educators, communities and other stakeholders, including government Departments of Health, Community Safety and Liaison as well as Social Development.
Mchunu said the scourge of HIV/Aids, crime and other social ills continue to affect all aspects of education in the province as it compromises the quality of life as well as teaching and learning.
“It is disheartening to see the number of schoolgirls who fall pregnant and the number of learners who get involved in unbecoming behaviour as a result of substance abuse. We can no longer fold our arms and lament when these social ills continue to ravage the future of our children. The sad and sobering truth is that these challenges are real and we need to work together with parents, teachers, and the community to steer our children in the right direction – they must put education first,” said Mchunu.
The campaign is not only centred on creating awareness about teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, but will also drive the message of discipline and moral regeneration.
“The campaign is also an indication that the department is implementing resolutions taken at the Education Summit that was held earlier this year. A resolution was taken that there is an urgent need for the department to lead a campaign that will involve a wide range of stakeholders to address the problem of learner pregnancy, HIV and Aids, substance abuse and violence in schools,” said Mchunu.
The launch will kick off with door-to-door visits to families with children who have been victims of teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.
Article by SA Good News
