Education department in Limpopo has embarked on improving school infrastructure in the province to create a conducive healthy environment for pupils, said MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Makhanya.
“Research the world over has proven that a safe and healthy learning environment produces happy learners.We are working hard to put the era of young girl children and women caught in the unfortunate situation of finding themselves experiencing their monthly cycle in public spaces without sanitary pads behind us. We say those situations belong in the past where we had no influence or power to impact the lives of these flowers of our nation,” she added.
According to MEC Lerule-Makhanya restoring the dignity of black children is one significant initiative addressing this challenge is the declaration of 2023 as the year of infrastructure.
“This initiative, led by policymakers and officials such as the Limpopo Department of Education, marks a crucial step towards creating a conducive learning environment for all learners, particularly girl children. One of the fundamental aspects of this initiative is the focus on improving school infrastructure, including the provision of decent schools and enhanced sanitation facilities,” she said.
“It is widely recognised that learners thrive in environments where they feel safe, comfortable, and respected. Access to clean and hygienic sanitation facilities not only contributes to the physical well-being of learners, but also fosters a positive learning atmosphere. By investing in infrastructure, especially in rural areas helps ensure that no child is left behind due to inadequate educational facilities.”
She emphasised that it is potent and imperative that reports confirm that a learner attending in a decent school and improved sanitation facility is a happy learner.
“We have noted in our analysis that we have new schools, especially from the rural areas, that have done well in the 2023 matric exams. Our effort in pushing for better learning facilities was not in vain. The work of creating a teaching and learning environment that is conducive is one that must continue without us apologising.
In that way, we shall be able to demand top performance across the system, knowing that we have done our part as the Limpopo Department of Education. Remarkable progress has also been made in improving the schooling experience for learners, particularly in addressing crucial aspects of health and hygiene.,” MEC remarked.
“From providing menstrual hygiene products to upgrading sanitation facilities, these initiatives are reshaping the educational landscape for the better, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.”
Inspired by Tintswalo of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s revolution, MEC Lerule-Makhanya told The Azanian that one such story of transformation comes from Kamogelo, who vividly recalls the challenges and discomfort she faced as a young learner navigating the onset of menstruation in class.
She said Kamogelo’s initial embarrassment and discomfort were swiftly alleviated by the intervention of a caring teacher who provided her with sanitary pads but this was not the case for many learners, especially those from poor backgrounds in rural areas.
“Years later, Kamogelo's own child brings home a pack of sanitary pads distributed by the school. This simple act triggers memories of Kamogelo's own struggles and highlights the progress that has been made in addressing the menstrual health needs of learners. Across the educational sector, there has been a concerted effort to eradicate pit latrines and upgrade sanitation infrastructure in schools,” MEC Lerule-Makhanya.
“In the 2022/23 financial year, an allocation of R30 million was disbursed to schools for the purchase of sanitary towels, aimed at supporting female students across all grade levels and preventing any disruptions to their attendance. Our reports indicate that this initiative ensured that every learner from the 3,624 schools is able to “access these essential supplies”, thereby promoting educational continuity and inclusivity.”
“In the past six years, significant milestones have been achieved, with 1,493 sanitation projects completed and ongoing efforts to finalise the remaining few.
Additionally, 159 infrastructure projects inclusive of water and sanitation have been completed, ensuring that learners have access to clean and hygienic facilities conducive to learning.”
She also reminisced about Amukelani Banyini, a former teacher who said the effort of supporting a girl child with sanitary towels is a significant intervention as menstrual stories are a sad reminder of the past where people were often caught by surprise in the midst of lessons or public appearances.
“These were girl children who were just going through one of life's natural cycles but because they did not have the necessary health cosmetics to help through, they were embarrassed and inconvenienced. As Kamogelo reflects on her own experiences and witnesses the positive changes in her child's schooling, she is filled with relief and gratitude. The strides made in addressing menstrual health and improving sanitation facilities are a testament to the power of collective action and the impact it can have on transforming the schooling experience for the better,” she concluded.
“In the past the syllabus had no Life Orientation subjects, so the mockers of those girls were not equipped with knowledge to know that menstruation is a natural process. The efforts to enhance health and hygiene in schools represent a significant step forward in creating a more equitable and supportive educational system. By prioritising the needs of students and investing in essential infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future where every child can learn and thrive without barriers.”
In conclusion, MEC Lerule-Makhanya commitment to eradicating pit-latrines in schools is a commendable initiative that prioritises the health and dignity of learners.
“We are encouraged in this regard by the words of the founding father of our freedom, freedom fighter and first president of a democratic South Africa, the selfless Dr Nelson Mandela when he said: “Together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of our little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer.”
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