2020 has been a very difficult year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have been affected and had to adjust to a new way of living. COVID-19 has also affected the academic lives of learners and they are faced with possibilities of repeating the year.
Young people in working class communities do not have many role models. Some People around them do not have a sense of purpose, and some use drugs. Many youth in the township have dropped out of school or have finished school but can’t further their studies or find a well-paying job.
Matriculants were given a week long break. On Monday 3 August 2020 the learners reported back to schools however some of them said they have lost hope and demotivated. The desperation to finish matric for some learners is the reason they are pushing hard and are forced to go to school despite the challenges. The youth feel like their dreams are being delayed. While other parents have tried to keep their children from school, the children are adamant on going and are desperate to complete the year.
There are only 4 months left in 2020, while there is so much that still needs to be done to make up for lost time. This year requires a change, things cannot be done the same way. Education Minister, Angie Motshekga must consider learners’ needs as well.
This article was submitted on 8 August 2020. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
