Youth power beyond the ballot! As we consider participatory democracy and how young people can shape the agenda of the Universal Basic Income, we are spending the week learning about Universal Basic Income with @Amanda Rinquest from BlackSash . We are exploring the potential sources of funding for UBI, how young people can access and utilize this income, and how it can address the rampant youth unemployment in South Africa.

The Post School Youth of Equal Education is using this knowledge to develop their own campaign and ideas for Universal Basic Income. #YouthPowerBeyondTheBallot

[Statement🔔] Informed by the track record and manifestos of various political parties who are now in the Government of National Unity (GNU), we vehemently demand improvements – in the way public money is spent, in eradicating infrastructure backlogs, in ensuring equitable access to schools:
Link on the bio for a full statement 👆🏾

#FixOurSchools

[Day 2, Admission Imbizo] Panel Discussion on School Admissions Challenges

Since 2021, Equal Education (EE) parents in GP and the WC have supported hundreds of parents with school admission challenges. Despite efforts to engage with education officials, issues persist.

A parent from Denver shared their struggles:

- Reallocated from JHB CBD, but still lack electricity and face unsafe living conditions
- Children get sick, and some have been raped in the settlement or on the way to distant schools
- Unemployed parents can’t afford private transport, and government promises have not been fulfilled

Learner, Bhekitemba, shared their experience with the online admission system:

- Registered at 5 schools, but placed at the furthest one, taking 1 hour to walk to and from school
- Often late, tired, and struggling to concentrate

Fix (Fikile) highlighted the issues:

- Online system flaws lead to overcrowding and over-subscription
- GDE’s lack of monitoring and evaluation exacerbates the problem
- Every year, parents must fight for alternative plans amidst continuing infringemenrs on the right to education

The panel discussion emphasized the need for a more efficient and equitable school admission process.
#SofundaSonke

We are up and at it again, Today is our second day of our Admission Imbizo.

Yesterday we closed of our day with:
GP Admissions: Important Information

Representatives:

-Ndlovu TJ - District official GE
-Nokufunwa Nkosi
-Trevor kalidheen - head office public ordinary schools learner admissions services

Key Points:

- Online applications for Grade 1, 8 and Grade 12 are done at the District level.
- Internal grades (Gr2-7, 9-11) applications are handled by the school.
- District offices do not have the capacity to process internal grade applications.

*Language:*

- If preferred language is not available at School A, apply at School B.
- Capacity in our secondary schools is a massive challenge, and so it may happen that the laguage a learner prefers is not available at their school of choice.

Online Applications:

- Use the online portal: (link unavailable)
- MEC will announce deadlines (TBC).
- Applications are not first-come, first-served; criteria are based on regulations.

Admissions Criteria:

1. Home address and school address(feeder zone)
2. Sibling and school(only for Gr 2 and 8)
3. Work address (if parent works close to school)
4. Not in school area but within 30km of feeder zone(subject to space availability)
5. Not in school area and beyond 30km of school(subject to space availability)
6. Schools of Specialisation (e.g., arts or technical schools): no distance criteria, requires written test and passing conditions for admission.

Registration:

1. Register with parent ID, work permit, refugee permit, etc.
2. Receive username, password, and reference number to track application.
3. Get placement notification on your cellphone.

#SofundaSonke

Equal Education, in collaboration with the @eelawcentre, is hosting a school admissions imbizo focused on addressing the issue of unplaced learners, which is happening now at Stompi Skhosana Community Hall in Etwatwa, Gauteng.

This event is a crucial platform for EE patents, parents of unplaced learners and community members to come together and discuss the challenges faced in securing school placements for children.

By sharing experiences and insights, participants can better understand the systemic issues and work towards effective solutions. #SofundaSonke