21 Mar 2013

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Patrick Masimolole has told Parliament that he is not aware that teachers at junior secondary schools are forced to reduce the number of projects students undertake.

“What I am aware of is that during the 2012/13 fiscal year, my ministry allocated an amount of P21 277 013.85 to junior schools for practical subjects”, he said.

Mr Masimolole said the allocation was to allow for the purchase of student materials for their projects.

He said schools have used P18 177 709.27 to date, adding that P3 099 304. 58 is still in the account.

However, he said he was still anticipating some payments from commitments made at regional level.

Kanye North MP, Mr Kentse Rammidi had asked the minister if he was aware that junior secondary schools were not allocated enough funds to allow them to buy materials for student projects in practical subjects.

Mr Rammidi also asked the minister if he was aware that as a result, teachers were forced to reduce the number of projects students undertake.

He also wanted to know if the process does not affect teachers in any way. ENDS