Question NW2970 to the Minister of Basic Education
01 December 2017 - NW2970
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to question 2244 on 6 September 2017, (a) what are the (i) ages and (ii) grades of the learners who fell pregnant, (b) what number of the learners have returned to school after giving birth and (c) what professional background training does the Learner Support Agent who must assist the specified learners to cope with their pregnancies have?
Reply:
a) The reply was informed by the official data extracted from the Education Management Information System (EMIS). EMIS data on learner pregnancy is generally disaggregated by school and can provide grades of learners upon request, however this will not include their ages. The data shows that 34 learners were reported to be pregnant at Masiqhakaze Secondary while Tipfuxeni Secondary indicated that 5 learners were pregnant. The request for grade specific data has been submitted and this will be shared at the next meeting.
b) Although the Department encourages parents to ensure that learners return to school shortly after giving birth, the Department does not collect data on the number of leaners who actually return to school after giving birth.
c) The Learner Support Agent (LSA) is generally an out-of-school youth (similar to a community Child Care Coordinator, but in this case, specifically for the school) who supports learners with basic services including homework assistance, home visits, and access to learner support and learner health and wellbeing services. They do not directly assist learners to cope with pregnancy. LSAs refer learners to professionals who would grant them access to services where needed. Some LSAs have a professional background in Social Work or Child and Youth Care Work.