Ekurhuleni schools to share resources

The twinning of township and suburban schools is aimed at breaking the racial design behind schools and putting education on a more equal footing.

The Gauteng Department of Education has twinned another two schools, Reiger Park Secondary and Sunward Park High in Ekurhuleni, to allow the sharing of resources.

It is hoped that this will improve learner outcomes. The twinning programme focuses on the sharing of resources between suburban schools and township schools, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no school is left needing resources when a school nearby can help meet specific resource needs.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Oupa Bodibe, the move will also ensure that learners are exposed to peers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and improved access to high quality education.

 “We want to make sure that schools share resources and that no school is deprived of giving its learners the best, owing to a shortage of resources.”

Although a bit of resistance was experienced in the beginning, educators and pupils at both schools have come to welcome the changes and feel that this will ensure that pupils are placed on an equal footing where education is concerned.

So far, Bovet Primary and Lyndhurst Primary School; and Alexandra Secondary and Sandown High School have also been twinned.

The department has also dispelled rumours that twinned schools will share funds. Regulations have been published for School Governing Bodies to ensure that the administrative aspects in relation to the management of finances are retained by each school.

Sandown High School learner Tshiamo Kungwane said that pupils are thrilled with the move.

“It is truly a great opportunity for both schools and what excites me the most is the fact that we will be able to share resources and will be in a position to assist each other in future.”