SADTU says all schools need psycho-social support
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) says the reopening of schools need to be well managed with 50% or fewer learners per day to avoid straining the system.
Millions of children return to school on Monday, following a Covid-19 enforced break over August while South Africa moved through its coronavirus peak.
SADTU's National Executive Committee (NEC) held a virtual meeting to discuss challenges faced by teachers and public servants.
The union says the Department of Basic Education needs to ensure that psycho-social or therapeutic services for teachers, learners and all other education workers are readily available and accessible at all schools.
"There is a substantial increase in anxiety and depression amongst teachers and learners and pandemic’s impact on teacher’s mental health was receiving little statistical attention. If education is to play an important role in building resilience in schools
and communities, the government must, without any delay, avail integrated and well-coordinated psychosocial services," says Sadtu.
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The union also criticised the announcement of the date on which schools will re-open in 2021, accusing the DBE of not consulting regarding this issue.
"The framework for the schools to reopen was also too rigid. Grade 12 markers, many of whom are Grade 12 teachers, will finish marking on 22 January and schools will open on 25 January. This will give these teachers hardly any time to rejuvenate. The NEC therefore resolved to engage DBE to ensure a workable school calendar," reads the statement by the union
