Unfortunately, the principal didn't give us the information as to whether those 40 learners chose not to participate, or were rather excluded by the North West education department. All Grade 12s were invited to be part of the programme. There are some who have been participants in the kind of action we have seen who have chosen not to be part of the programme. Therefore, since I don't have that information it is difficult for me to actually answer the question fully. Perhaps if you could pose the question in the form of a question for either written or oral reply, I then could investigate the matter and certainly look into it. I do volunteer that if you give me the name of the school I will look into the matter of the teachers and the subjects and come back to you on that one.
With respect to the question of security, it is a matter that we are constantly addressing in collaboration with the SA Police Service and are attempting, as much as we can, to ensure that we do secure the schools in the area. However, as you would have seen, some of the attacks take place at night, and what we are really trying to do is to inculcate the culture of consciousness of the value of education and educational facilities and their very close relationship to the lifeblood and quality of a community. This is why I am saying that, while we will take the steps as policy heads, it is vitally important that we change the attitude and consciousness of our communities towards education and public facilities generally.
Success in applying skills obtained in poverty alleviation programmes
265. Ms T E Lishivha (ANC) asked the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:
Whether, in light of the various poverty alleviation programmes administered by her department, such as Working for Water and Working on Fires, the participants in these programmes have any success in applying the skills they have obtained once they have exited these programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?