/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Every school holiday period, one of my biggest concerns is for those learners whose parents work full time and who are left unsupervised at home.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Safe Schools Directorate has therefore organised various holiday programmes for learners in all eight education districts which were launched on Monday 27th June 2016.  Programmes ensure that learners are provided with a safe environment where they can learn and play through a series of well-developed games and team building exercises.

Learners are also taught about values such as discipline, respect and team work and also acquire invaluable life skills.

These programmes are designed to be both fun and a learning experience.

Today I visited one of these programmes at Voorspoed Primary School in Hanover Park where more than 100 learners are attending a comprehensive programme aimed at tackling the challenges that our young learners face on a daily basis. The programme covers life skills and team building, substance abuse, gangsterism and conflict resolution.

Today I briefly addressed the learners and ensured they knew the Safe Schools Hotline number – 0800 45 46 47. Parents and learners can call the Safe Schools Hotline to request support or assistance. I was so impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by the learners, who said they were having a great time.

I must thank the NGO African Skye for their continued support with regards to the holiday programmes.

The Voorspoed Primary school programme is just one of many holiday programmes on offer this winter.

A number of stakeholders have come on board to assist us with the various holiday programmes on offer. The programmes include various government departments and NGOs, the City of Cape Town, Metro Police and the South African Police Service. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all stakeholders who are working together to better the lives of learners and expand the opportunities available to them.

I would also like to appeal to all parents and caregivers, especially those who have full-time jobs, to ensure that their children are supervised during the remainder of the school holidays. This is an opportune time to promote continued reading and I urge you to encourage your children to visit their local library.

Our parents are key in providing support for our learners and promoting healthy activities as opposed to anti-social behaviour.

Issued by Department of Education Western Cape