Pretoria - The Gauteng Education Department is inviting retired teachers and principals, who are interested in volunteering a portion of their time, to participate in a retired teachers' seminar.
The seminar, to be held at Gallagher Estate on Thursday, will involve teachers who taught mathematics, science, accounting, technology, English second language, geography and biology.
The call is in line with President Jacob Zuma and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane's statements that education is a priority for the country and the province.
Provincial MEC for Education Barbara Creecy said the department recognises that retired teachers who are physically fit have a wealth of experience and are a resource that they can tap into.
"The aim of the meeting is to provide retired teachers with an opportunity to debate if there is any contribution they can make, how they would like to do it and the assistance that the department can offer.
"There are various ways in which retired educators can assist, including sharing their experience and abilities, assisting local children with homework and with Saturday classes," Creecy said.
She added that the department was committed to ensuring that every learner did well at school and left with the values, knowledge, skills and qualifications that would give them the best chance of success in adult life.
"Those interested in volunteering a portion of their time will be registered on a database that the department can draw upon when needed.
"The emphasis is on retired teachers volunteering some of their spare time and in some cases, a small stipend can be paid to cover local transport and lunch," said Creecy.
Retired teachers who are interested in attending the seminar are requested to contact Tumi Tabane on 011 355 0688 / motumiseng.tabane@gauteng.gov.za or Gift Mnguni on 011 355 0542 / gift.mnguni@gauteng.gov.za or Jeanette Moema on 083 419 2883 /Jeanette.Moema@gauteng.gov.za.
