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The South AfricanHuman Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the University of Cape Town’s Online HighSchool have partnered to launch SAHRC UCT Online High School Rural Initiative.
The initiative aims to accelerate access to online learning, particularly for girls in rural areas “We are thrilled to collaborate with the SAHRC on this important initiative to level the playing field with an innovative education model, and create access to high quality schooling for all,” said Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, UCT Vice-Chancellor.
According to the statement, its pilot phase is set for the 2022 school calendar.
This collaboration will focus on the communities of the Valley of 1 000 Hills, about 50 km northwest of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal.The pilot phase of this partnership will facilitate access to a quality online high school education through UCT Online High School for up to 14 students.
The Valley of 1 000 Hills is plagued by high levels of poverty, with approximately 48 to 50% in unemployment rates, and limited access to quality education for the large majority.
The area is alsoconsidered one of the major epicentres of the HIV/Aids pandemic, with HIV infection rates as high as 40% or more in some communities in the area.
The majority of the homes are informal dwellings, without adequate basic services such as water, sanitation and refuse removal — though a growing number now haveelectricity and piped water. — IOLNEWS
Online Reporter