Youth conference to tackle social barriers affecting pupils in education

Alcoholism, drug abuse and pregnancy are just some of the social ills the Eastern Cape Department of Education is hoping to tackle at its three-day Youth Conference at Nelson Mandela University.

Hundreds of pupils from all 12 districts in the province descended on the university’s south campus indoor complex for the start of the conference yesterday.

Education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said the conference aimed to address pupil dropout rates by developing strategies to educate the youth.

Provincial education social support service chief director Sharon Maasdorp said the conference was being hosted under the theme “I don’t engage in risky behaviour”.

“All of us experience one or other barrier. As educators, pupils and a department, we need to identify these barriers, assess them and provide support. Because while our core business is learning and teaching, we need to address the barriers affecting education.”

The course will consist of several learning and interaction sessions between pupils, health professionals and social workers covering topics such as HIV-Aids, abortion, alcohol and drug abuse as well as pregnancy and peer education.

Phambili Mzontsundu High School pupil Wandile Makeleni, 17, said he was looking forward to being a peer educator and helping his community.

“Daily, and particularly during the holidays, one can see the youth drunk or on drugs. It is getting worse as children are experimenting at younger ages.

“I think what we learn here will assist in making others realise their potential and do better,” Makeleni said.

Simphiwe Kethwa Senior Secondary pupil Luyolo Mnyombolo, 17, said the conference would help pupils create change in their communities.