Question NW1844 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
08 September 2020 - NW1844
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department has employed the services of psychologists to assist teachers and learners who are facing anxieties as a result of being forced back to school, despite fears of the coronavirus; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
Reply:
The DBE has partnered with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and UNICEF to mobilise psychosocial support for learners and educators. In this regard, UNICEF has contracted Childline to provide services to children through their call centre.
Provincial Education Departments have historically employed psychologists and social workers to support learners and educators. However, there are severe shortages.
Due to the expected impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of learners and educators, and the limited psychosocial support capacity within the sector, the DBE and PEDs collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) as well as other psychosocial support NGOs and organisations. The DSD has availed social work interns in some Provinces. in addition, Provincial Departments have also increased the number of Learner Support Agents in schools.