This Human Rights Day, Exercise Your Right To Continue To Learn


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With Human Rights Day tomorrow, there will be a lot of reflection on how far South Africa has come as well as the challenges it faces. Education is naturally a top concern, especially as the unemployment rate in our country continues to be among the highest in the world.


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What if we could amend the right to education enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution to be slightly more specific? What if we could reinforce — to the government, to the private sector, and to learners themselves — that “everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education, at any stage in their learning journey.”

Education doesn’t take place only within a set timeframe: seven years of basic education, five years of high school, three to four years of tertiary. This perception, so widely carried, is limiting. For learners whose education journey is disrupted along the way by any one of a myriad of factors, it can instil a sense of defeat. “I failed Grade 10, that’s it, I’ll never finish matric” or “I didn’t finish matric, I’ll never qualify for a job that requires it”.

The reality is quite different. A hiatus in one’s studies doesn’t signify the end. There are several opportunities available to learners and young adults who want to have the qualifications they need to further their studies or careers. No matter what stage you’re at in your learning journey, you can always return, and continue.

The perceptions learners carry — and the reality

It’s only fair that learners feel hamstrung when they fail or are forced to take a break from their studies. So many experience barriers to entry when they look for alternatives — but alternatives exist.

One perception is that, once you fail matric, it’s almost impossible to repeat it. The amended senior certificate (ASC), however, is available to all learners who don’t have a matric and who are 21 years or older. There is only one exam a year, which complicates the process as you’ll have to wait a full year if you don’t secure a spot, but you should get a place if you make it a priority. Optimi College is also lobbying for there to be two ASC exams a year and, in time, our hope is that the current situation will change.

A second common perception is that a university degree is the best, or indeed the only, qualification to have. This certainly isn’t the case, and there are any number of technical and vocational educational and training (TVET) institutions and colleges that offer well-regarded certificates in a wide variety of disciplines. 

Furthermore, there are many Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications that don’t even require a matric. 

Digital courses are also widely available, and have significantly improved access to education. Through online programmes, learners can study when it suits them best, and in conjunction with either part-time or full-time work, which can improve their chances of success. The options available through Optimi College, include technical, commerce and IT training in a vast selection of valuable, sought-after qualifications.

Where does the responsibility lie?

Whose responsibility is it, then, to improve access to education and make it available at any stage in the learning journey?

There’s no doubt that public-private partnerships are critical. South Africa’s education system is not immune to the many issues that affect the country. The fact that so many learners go to school hungry, to be taught by poorly trained and overwhelmed teachers in schools that often don’t have power, points to the interconnectedness of South Africa’s multi-faceted, deep-rooted, and systemic problems. Government cannot address these issues alone, private sector involvement is essential. 

But some responsibility, at least, also rests with learners themselves. If you’re wanting to further your education — to complete matric, to study towards a tertiary qualification, or to complete a course required for an internship or job — the information you need to know is out there. 

Do some research, attend career days in your area, or speak to local corporates about their hiring practices and community development programmes. Be careful of bogus colleges and universities that aren’t properly registered. Make sure you apply to organisations that can offer a valid registration number that can be confirmed by the Department of Higher Education and Training. 

You have the right to put yourself first, and to re-enter the world of education even if you’ve taken a break. If you need to, ask for support along the way. Organisations like Optimi College can help you get there.

By Eloise Nolte

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Optimi College, previously operating as College SA and IT Academy respectively, has over 14 years of experience in training students and over 200 qualifications and short courses. We are rebranding as Optimi College, and our offering will include that of both College SA and IT Academy in future. 






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Post-Matric Options

 

We helped you with past papers for your matric exams, so hopefully you are happy with your Matric results. So now you are faced with a lot of post-matric options that can shape your future paths. You might want to study law, teaching, or nursing. Of course studying is expensive so we have helpful advice about student loans, NSFAS bursaries, Fundi loans, ISFAP, and lots of other funding options.

These options range from pursuing higher education at universities , TVET Colleges or  private colleges, finding student accommodation, entering vocational training programs (like Learnerships and internships), joining the workforce, or even starting your own business. There are so many choices but we are here to help.

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