Further down Genesis Street another group of ten youngsters also await their lift. They have been up since 05:00 to make sure they are at the bus stop by 06:00, even if their lift only arrives at 06:30. With winter not in full swing yet, one learner admits that waiting in the cold is not the most difficult part. Arriving at closed school gates with no shelter from the cold is what she least looks forward to.
Community members and the George Municipality have raised the transport issue facing learners who moved into the Rosedale area from elsewhere at local and provincial level. They lack transport to the schools they continue attending, even though they have relocated, due mostly to the fact that the schools closer to their new homes cannot accommodate their subject choices.
This situation has been a thorn in the side of parents for almost two years now.
According to a Rosedale mom whose daughter is currently in matric, her daughter was mugged last year as she walked home from school along the N2.
Not only is safety an issue, but this mom admits that like many other parents living in this low income housing project that was started in 2010, she simply cannot afford to pay for her daughter's transport. These costs amount to R250 for learners going to George High and Rosemoor Primary, and R200 for learners heading to Parkdene High and Primary Schools. Some learners also need to get to schools in Thembalethu. Some learners continue to walk to school and others stay with relatives closer to their educational institution.
This mom adds that although the subsidy of R1 460 which she has heard has been approved by the Department of Education for high school learners won't cover all their transport costs, it would mean that her daughter could live at home rather than with her granny.
Bronagh Casey, spokesperson for Western Cape Education Minister Donald Grant, confirmed to the George Herald that the Department had responded to the issues raised on 2 March, "The department has submitted applications for transport subsidies for the 59 learners enrolled at Pacaltsdorp Secondary so that they can be transported to schools that offer the relevant curriculum and subject offerings. A review of the subject choices offered at Pacaltsdorp Secondary is also underway."
But what of the learners whose parents cannot afford to transport their learners to the appropriate high schools, or who choose to send their children to schools other than those in Pacaltsdorp due to the language of education?
.jpg){kind=spacer}
Wrapped up against the cold as they wait for their school transport to arrive, these young Rosedale residents admit they are not looking forward to winter and rainy weather.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
