THE WESTERN Cape Government released their education infrastructure plan in February 2010 which included the building of 45 new permanent school structures over a three year period. Two years into this plan, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has completed the building of 23 new schools and has also replaced eight schools built of inappropriate materials.

In the current financial year, which is the last year of the plan, the department expects to complete the building of three new schools and 13 replacement schools. Once these schools have been completed, the Western Cape Government would have succeeded in building 26 new schools and 21 replacement schools in the province in the planned three year period. The completion of this plan will mean that an additional 30 000 learners will have access to education in the province. A further 27 000 learners will also have the opportunity to learn in a suitable and safe environment where quality teaching and learning can take place.

The shape and size of the education system is dynamic and needs to adapt to the constantly evolving environment within which schools operate. The Western Cape faces a number of development challenges simultaneously, including but not limited to population shifts, improved learner retention and a greater demand for skills development. As some communities expand and others contract in size and density in the province; as more learners are retained throughout the system; and as the need for up-skilling learners intensifies, the province needs to be prepared to adapt the shape and size of the education system and apply resources effectively and efficiently to accommodate growth.

Comments

comments