Education and training systems of the highest quality and not just quality education. That was the mantra during the inclusive education workshop held in Boksburg.
The Department of Basic Education, together with its various stakeholders, convened for the workshop, with objectives that included sharing progress on the provision of inclusive education, galvanizing the sector and other key role players towards accelerating the provision of quality inclusive education.
“Our constitution calls for us to build an education system founded on equality, human dignity and advancing human rights and freedom. These values are the backbone of our democratic society and integral to fostering an inclusive education system that benefits all our learners,” said Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, as she reminded those gathered about the core values on which the sector stands and thrives on.
Minister Angie Motshekga reflected on the progress of the sector where inclusive education is concerned by saying where inclusive education and early identification is concerned, since the year 2022, the department has managed to screen 650 195 learners, which shows progressive work. However, considering the scale of the sector, she said more work still needs to be done.
Motshekga further went on to encourage those in attendance to find measures to improve efforts in accelerating the provision of quality inclusive education while ensuring that no child is left behind. Mhaule agreed with this and expanded the principle which mandates that no child is left behind stating that: “the value of equality ensures that all learners regardless of their race, gender, background or ability, has equal access to education.”
During the workshop, key players in the sector were entrusted with the development of clear mechanisms while profiling attainable goals aimed at driving equity, skills and resilience for an inclusive future.