Upgrade schools for the digital age

TO BE in matric is one of the celebrated years for children and their parents. It is the year that requires a considerable effort. This year has instantly turned their curriculum upside down.

The schools had to close earlier for their first term break in anticipation that Covid-19 will be contained.

Since then it has been clear that the infection numbers are increasing and there is nothing preventing the surge. To me, it is clear that schools are not going to reopen soon, because both parents and various key stakeholders are genuinely worried about their children’s health.

As the country is experiencing this surge, all of us as citizens have a responsibility to support the flattening of the curve.

It is evident most of our rural and township schools are unready, and this has forced postponement of schools reopening.

The continued closure of schools will therefore compel all of us to rethink our schooling system post Covid-19. According to my observation, the future of our schooling system depends on what is being done now to ensure the benefit of this year’s matric class. This is the time for digital transformation and we need to ensure as a department of education that all schools are ready to benefit from this present-day reality

This, therefore, calls for an urgent upgrade of both rural and urban, especially township school infrastructure. I am confident that this is possible. Gauteng has set off on this journey and it has produced good results.

Let us as parents and the department embrace information and communications technology for our schools and the foreseeable future of our children.

JOHN WHITLOCK