“LET OUR CHILDREN BE ALLOWED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL” – TIRELONG SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENTS
In the efforts of protecting the learners rights to education the Tirelong Secondary School parents in one word agreed that, “children should be allowed to go back to school, without any disturbance”.
This strong message was conveyed by parents of Tirelong Secondary School during the meeting held with the department on Tuesday, 25 January 2022.
The learners of Tirelong Secondary School were allegedly abducted from school by unknown people. About 54 learners from Naauwpoort Mega Farm School were allegedly forcefully removed and 162 learners were taken away from Boons Mega Farm School.
The department invited the Tirelong Secondary School parents to an urgent meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting was for parents to sign the commitment letters to allow learners to stay at the boarding schools.
Angy Moseki the mother of Katlego and Phemelo who are both in Grade 8 at Boons Mega Farm School expressed her anger about the people who removed her children from the boarding school.
“I am totally emotional against those people who disturbed the studies of my children. We signed the consent forms with the department and some unknown people forcefully remove them without our permission. We want people behind these removals should face the full might of the law”, said Moseki the mother of two Grade 8 learners.
Another parent, Mmaditshwanelo Paeea the mother of Edward Paeea in Grade 11 and Paballo Paeea in Grade 10.
“Let our children be allowed to go back to school. We are appealing to the government to protect our children. No one has a right to take away the education of our children. We want to thank the department for taking our children to a better learning environment”, said Mme Paeea
The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela assured parents that learners are safe at the boarding schools.
“I want to assure the parents of Tirelong Secondary School that as a department of education we will take care of the learners. In our boarding schools learners are getting the best care.
“Going forward we will ensure that those people behind the denial of learners their right to education are brought to book. We have taken these learners to high performing schools. Naauwpoort Mega Farm School obtained 100% and Moedwil Mega Farm School obtained 85,2% in their matric examinations. I am confident that these learners will do exceptionally well in their final examinations”, said MEC Matsemela.
The department is currently working on a plan to strengthen the safety and security of the affected boarding schools.
For more information please contact:
Elias Malindi
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 1154 855/072 8928 399
