Hon Minister, the ACDP would like to know what the department will do about those who left the education system in Grade 9, 10 and 11 before the implementation of the GEC certificates, and whether the department has any strategies to target the school leavers so that they can return to the educational system.
THE MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon Chair, indeed the learners who have left the system as it is estimates that almost 3,4 - young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are not in employment, education and in training. It is a matter that we assist with as cabinet. Cabinet has mandated the Department of Basic Education and other departments to provide a strategy to deal with that.
As Department of Basic Education, we had launched what we call the Second Chance Programme, but for now because of our capacity it is really and matric rewrite. From the outcomes of the last assessment, it is quite clear that it is inadequate. We need to have a much more comprehensive programme in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology which has the responsibility of Adult Basic Education and Training, Abet, which is the other phases below Grade 12, and produce a comprehensive programme.
We are working with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology and other bodies to make sure that we can be able to find a safety net for those learners who are outside the system as a second chance programme. It is a programme that we are building on an ongoing basis. Thank you, Chair.