(1) (a) the requirements for the UNESCO funding Socio-Educational Inclusion of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Expression and Sex Characteristics programme were seeking services of a consultant to help the Department of Basic Education (DBE) draft guidelines for schools.
(b) there were no particular directives that came with the funding.
(2) The programme supports the realisation of Pillar 10 (a Rights-based Socially Cohesive and Inclusive School Environment) in the operational framework of the DBE on Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL). The intention is to ensure social justice and inclusion of previously marginalised minorities.
(3) The DBE is mandated by the Constitution to carry out this work. It is important for the education sector to be deliberate and intentional in addressing discrimination, prejudice and related intolerances that seem to prevent children from realising their inalienable right to education and undermine the constitutional gains of a democratic South Africa.