Our children deserve a better education

MY son is currently enrolled at Sanctor Primary School in the northern areas (Bethelsdorp) in Grade 5 and has not had a teacher in his class for the past two weeks.

For the past few years, our schools in the northern areas have been fighting a never-ending battle, it would seem. These schools lack funds and resources, whereby our kids are crippled and they are not receiving the education they deserve.

As a single parent, I lack the necessary funds to enrol my son in a better school, where paying school fees will ensure that he receives the education he rightly deserves.

I also have a daughter enrolled in a fee-paying school (currently attending Grade 9 at Victoria Park High), but as the responsibility of providing and caring for my kids falls solely on me, my funds are very limited in terms of doing the same for the son. I, therefore, felt the need to send this letter to the newspaper, in the hope that I can emphasise the plight that we suffer in our area.

I am sure I am not the only parent who wants to see their children succeed in life and wants the best education for them. But how is this possible, when my son sits in class and receives no education whatsoever?

When we say the youth is our future and they are the future leaders of this country, what kind of leaders are we raising if we cannot even give them a decent education? What are we doing about the lack of interest the department of education shows in our children and the schools they attend?

As a troubled parent, I feel I need to raise my voice and ask: Why are we failing our kids? It is my duty to speak for my children, as they are unable to speak for themselves. The education department should be held accountable for these schools. All the schools in the northern areas have been running on zero resources for a very long time now, and our children as much as anyone else’s deserve a better education, a brighter future.

I am appealing to anyone who has the resources and the means to make a difference to our kids’ lives. If we share the concept of ubuntu among all of us, then as a collective community we should all raise our kids together. Can the rest of Nelson Mandela Bay turn their backs on our kids in the northerns? I urgently plead with Nelson Mandela Bay, please give our kids a chance.

Concerned parent (name supplied)