30 June 2020
Equal Education media alert: Tomorrow, 1 July, we hold a Children’s Conference on learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and the realisation of the Charter for an Equal Education
Tomorrow, 1 July, Equal Education will be holding an online Children’s Conference, bringing together learner members of Equal Education (Equalisers) and education officials from various provinces, to discuss how to address the challenges faced by learners during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the realisation of our Charter for an Equal Education.
This period of social and economic crisis has highlighted the inequality within our education system. Thus, striving for a “return to normal”, is an inadequate response. The Children’s Conference will explore the opportunity for radical change, and building a decolonised education system which ensures equal and quality education for all (as the Charter for an Equal Education sets out).
What is the Charter for an Equal Education?
The Charter for an Equal Education encapsulates the principles that ought to underpin the education system – principles that progressive learners, teachers, parents, community members, education activists, students and trade unionists all over South Africa can organise around.
The Charter is a document which spells out our vision for an equal education system: a progressive education system which will afford all children with the same opportunities and which will make our society more equal and just.
The Charter has been drawn up through widespread discussion and debate over a number of years, it draws on our history and on research, and arises out of the direct experience of ordinary people.
Why do we need a Charter for an Equal Education?
The purpose of the Charter is to build consensus in society on what change we need and how our education system should look like. And its purpose is to build the strength of and unity among stakeholders and organisations, serving as the basis upon which we take forward the struggle for quality and equal education.
How do we use the Charter?
In and of itself, a charter will not erect brick structures where mud schools now stand. It will not fix broken windows, establish libraries in schools or do away with the deep inequalities of South Africa’s education system, but it will educate communities about their rights and responsibilities. It will provide impetus and a strategic direction for joint efforts and campaigns, providing a joint vision of an education system that is equal, progressive and just.
#LetsImagine #EducationCharter #IndlelaEsihambaNgayo #IsivumelwanoSemfundo #InOurLifetime
When: Wednesday 1 July, 3pm
Where: Equal Education Facebook Live
For further information, contact:Jay-Dee Cyster (Equal Education Communications Officer) jay-dee@equaleducation.org.za or 082 924 1352
