TO : NEWS EDITORS

FROM : MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

DATE : 23 JUNE 2009

SUBJECT : 2009 REGIONAL YOUTH SEMINARS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Mpumalanga Department of Education will conduct youth seminars in the four regions of the province.

These seminars are in line with Section 03 of the National Education Policy, which stipulates that the education system should contribute to the full personal development of each student in terms of moral development, cultural, social, political as well as the economic development of the nation at large. Teacher Development and Governance, through the Leaner Affairs Unit, has put together 1(one) seminar per region to reach out to vulnerable learners who have developed social problems because of their circumstances. To ensure greater participation in a highly cost effective way, the seminars will be regionally based. 800 learners will be drawn from 40 ministerial schools to attend the seminar

Possible outcome of the Seminar are ensuring common understanding of democracy and implementation; developing a culture of responsibility among learners and youth; entrenching democratic values, in young people, to be replicated throughout the society; and assist learners in choosing a career.

Learners from schools with special attention to vulnerable learners from child headed families with social problems. Only learners from grade 8-11 will be considered because grade 12 will be attending winter school. We are expecting 220 learners per region.

A motivational speaker has been organised to assist learners with a low self esteem, to encourage learners to keep focus to their future; a curriculum specialist to advise learners on career matters.

The seminar will be based on the overall theme: “Youth in the 21st Century and moral regeneration”

Different institutions of higher learning have been invited to put together exhibition stalls for learners. This will assist and encourage learners to choose relevant subjects for their future career.

Issued by Communication Directorate

Mr Jasper Zwane

013 766 5514/083 743 1804