GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The number of 2025 Grade 1s enrolled in the Eden and Central Karoo is expected to rise and some schools are already asking for additional teachers.

Many parents are still queueing at schools looking for placement of their children, said director of education for the Eden and Central Karoo Jewel Jonkers on Tuesday. Final figures will only be available to the district office at about day 10 of the new year when all learners have been enrolled.

Jonkers said primary schools are having to accommodate additional numbers because of compulsory Grade R enrolment. But despite the anticipated growth, each child will be placed. "If unsuccessful with the first application at at least three schools, the parents should submit an appeal to the school. Should the child still not be placed after the parents have exhausted all avenues with the school, they can approach the district office for assistance."

The former Model C schools are all full, but there should be spaces left at MM Mateza, Mzoxolo and Parkdene primary schools. Dellville Park Primary, a double medium school, is full, as is St Paul's, which was transformed into an English medium school at the end of last year. "We are looking to build a new English primary school for George, but at this stage cannot say when," said Jonkers.

Finding space

As part of its mission to create additional space, the district is investigating the possibility of closer collaboration with independent schools to provide room for learners who cannot be accommodated in the public school system. Such learners would be subsidised.

'Reverse transport' is also being considered. Whereas learners usually travel from rural areas into town, transporting them from urban areas to rural primary schools such as Herold, Van der Hoven and Lancewood is now becoming an option since they have favourable learner-teacher ratios and are within reasonable distance.

Furthermore, a number of school hostels that are underutilised could be repurposed to serve as classrooms. There is space at hostels at Eden Technical High School, Heatherlands High, Van Kervel, George High and Pacaltsdorp High.

Staff losses

The education budget cut in the province last year, as part of cuts nationally, resulted in the district losing about 70 teachers. "Most went on pension and the others were contract teachers whose terms lapsed. We have made sure, though, that our ratios remain manageable. No permanent teacher has or will lose their work."

Jonkers said they are very excited about 2025 and shared the district's vision. "This year we want to usher learners into a new world that transcends poverty by breaking the walls of limitations and introducing them to new possibilities."

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