Hon Speaker, the ACDP commends the Minister of Basic Education and her department on their efforts to minimise any damage as a result of the strikes. We would like to encourage people to support schools during this period of disrupted education and are pleased to note that there have already been more than 2 300 responses from individuals and organisations to the Let's Support the Class of 2010 campaign nationally.
Experts in the subjects offered for matric are still needed, and parents and community volunteers are required to keep younger learners in active learning. The positive influnce of community and parent involvement at schools is hugely beneficial at any time, and if nothing else, this crisis has afforded an opportunity for this example to be modelled. Statistics indicate that significantly higher pass rates in former model C schools are directly linked to better resources and facilities due to parental involvement.
The safety of our children is, of course, paramount, and the ACDP supports the department's commitment to screening volunteers and doing everything possible to protect learners from exposure to people who pose any danger or risk to their wellbeing. We remind volunteers that these checks are important, and we urge volunteers to assist the department in this regard.
The ACDP regards the disruption of learners' studies as a crisis which could significantly impact on the ability of all 2010 learners to fulfil their potential as leaders of tomorrow. We call on unions to urgently consider new and more helpful ways of dealing with grievances and wage demands and not to hold learners hostage in this manner. Thank you. [Applause.]