Staff Reporter
Schools throughout the country face a variety of challenges when it comes to ensuring the efficient functioning of the Representative Council of Learners (RCLs).
But these young minds, who have a critical governance role under the South African Schools Act (SASA), a Representative Council of Learners (RCL) promotes quality learning and teaching in schools as the elected representative structure.
In terms of the Act, they can allow learners to voice their concerns and formulate strategies that respond to various challenges faced at schools.
Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, together with Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, last month addressed the 2023 National RCL Conference under the theme, “Advancing learner participation and Functionality of Learner Leaders in South African Schools.”
The Conference was hosted to strengthen the functioning of RCLs in provinces while seeking to create a platform where the Department and stakeholders can engage in progressive ways to improve RCLs to highlight the challenges schools face in ensuring the efficient function of RCLs.
Minister Motshekga said it made her proud to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of young minds shaping the future of the educational landscape.
“Your mission as the youth of 2023 is to use the words of wise African statesman Thomas Sankara: “We must dare to invent the future”.
The Minister further stated that the youth have the potential to drive positive change, overcome societal challenges and build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
Minister Motshekga concluded her ad- dress by highlighting the importance of learner leadership towards positive discipline in schools and the power of reading.
She said this platform acknowledges the potential of learner leadership in schools, nurtures the passion for reading, and explores the significant role that learner leadership plays in maintaining discipline within our educational institutions.
Deputy Minister Mhaule also touched on the importance of being a true leader. “Being a leader begins at this very moment; I urge you to go out there and make it a mission to make a difference in our country and to transform society for the better. Positive action will make you a true and selfless leader who puts the needs of others first.”
The Conference drew inputs from various representatives, including the Agape Youth Movement (AYM), Ubuntu Youth Leadership (UYL), the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Ngangezwe Foundation and the University of South Africa (UNISA).
The selected RCLs engaged in robust discussions whilst applauding the DBE for their inclusion in the mission towards shaping a brighter future for the next generations.
INSIDE EDUCATION
