Quality education is critical in South Africa

Encouraging entry in the in the Educators Category of the 2012 Shoprite Women of the Year this week Ms Barbara Creecy (photo), MEC for Education in Gauteng, said working to achieve quality education is critical to redressing the political, economic and social standing of everyone in South Africa.

She added: “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest assets, children, because in each of them there is hope and dreams which, when fulfilled, contributes to the benefit of society and greater strength of our nation.

“As society, we have an obligation and a responsibility to invest in our children and our schools to sure that our children get the best education possible. Education is the single most important means for the youth of our country assume their rightful role in society.

“In Gauteng, we are working to improve the quality of learning across all grades. In the primary grades we are focusing on getting literacy and numeracy right. In the secondary grades we are working towards improving the quantity and quality of Grade 12 Passes focusing on career counselling and ten high-risk subjects including mathematics, physical science and economics.

“Our interventions are geared towards improving completion rates in schools and giving school leavers a greater opportunity to access post-schooling education or employment. Underlying all our interventions is improving our placement of learners with special needs and providing support to poor learners by increasing access to nutrition, free schooling and scholar transport where there are no schools.

“At the same time, we will empower parents to effectively support the education of their children by creating conducive conditions at Home. “

A considerable number of nominations have already been received since the 2012 Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award was launched at the beginning of the month.

The main aim of the Award is to identify exceptional and visionary women who have achieved in their own fields with the determination and foresight to make an impact on the future of many fellow South Africans has been received.

All South Africans have been invited to participate by nominating those women with a vision on the future and who makes our nation proud in five categories, namely: Health Care-Givers; Educators; Socio-Economic Business Developers; Good Neighbours Against Crime and Youth Movers.

The winners will be awarded with individual prize money and the Shoprite Group will also give R100 000 towards the work they do for a better future.

Furthermore the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award will honour an esteemed South African whom during her or his lifetime has inspired generations.

The public will be asked to nominate the Lifetime Achiever who will receive R100 000 to donate to a cause which the recipient believes will better the lives of South Africans.

The closing date for nominations is Thursday, 26 April 2012 and South Africans who would like to nominate candidates can simply visit their nearest Shoprite or Checkers store to collect entry forms. Information on the Award will also be published in Huisgenoot, You and Drum from the beginning of March until the winners are announced.

After the nationwide search campaign, the Award culminates in a spectacular gala evening in July 2012 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng to announce the winners. This dazzling event will be broadcast during on Wednesday, 8 August 2012 on Mzansi Magic, DSTV. The programme will be re-broadcast on the following day on Women’s Day, 09 August 2012.