Prof Ramodungoane Tabane

As it continues to shape and reclaim Africa’s intellectual futures, Unisa contributes immensely to an improved education system in South Africa and towards the National Development Plan 2030, thus the Sustainable Development Goals more so of equitable and equal education in the plight of poverty alleviation, women emancipation and climate change for instance. "The institution’s College of Education (CEDU) boasts the highest teacher registration and qualifications with more than 100 000 registered undergraduate students," explains Prof Ramodungoane Tabane, Unisa’s Director: School of Educational Studies.

Tabane says that currently, ten departments in CEDU are improving and developing programmes from, among others, environmental education, science and technology and psychology of education to adult and youth programmes. "To capacitate the unqualified early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, the college focuses on Early Childhood Education (ECE) research," he adds. "Also, to ensure that the education system is agile and positions itself as an active agent for change," Tabane continues, "the college covers both initial teacher education, professional development and postgraduate qualifications."

Equipping teachers and learners

Some of the educational initiatives that CEDU has in place to empower teachers include a focus on their qualification improvement through aligned academic and professional programmes and engaging with districts of the Department of Basic Education to enable teachers to further their studies. In addition, teachers are invited to be part of various engaged scholarship (ES) projects and register for Short Learning Programmes (SLP) to advance their skills.

Unisa and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure delegates at a partnership engagement

To improve academic results in schools, the college also has some learner-focused initiatives in place. For example, Unisa academics visit schools nationwide to engage in different learner programmes such as extra classes, learner motivation, career guidance and counselling, and special prison projects. Tabane remarks: "Among other collaborations, CEDU has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the institution’s College of Economic and Management Sciences to attract students in Built Environment programmes as a unique contribution to improving school results." Tabane adds that the project is beneficial as they award bursaries annually to deserving Grade 12 learners from previously disadvantaged communities.

Besides teaching and learning, the university goes the extra mile to empower school learners mentally and emotionally by offering motivational talks. Additionally, Tabane notes that through Tateni, a community engagement project in CEDU’s Department of Psychology of Education aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, a Unisa expert registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa offers psychological counselling for the project beneficiaries. Finally, as an extra measure, Tabane mentions: "This department is currently recirculating the Master of Psychology in Educational Psychology and espouses to build a wellness centre in Sunnyside, Pretoria to benefit schools and communities in and around Tshwane."

Practical projects transforming lives

CEDU has 33 funded engaged scholarship projects, and Tabane asserts that communities which have engaged with the college and its staff are transformed. For example, he explains that the Prison Schools Project under Prof Meahabo Magano, Unisa’s Acting Executive Director of the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, offers hope to the incarcerated who are keen to better their lives. "The capacitation of, among others, ECE practitioners, teachers in special schools, and mathematics and science teachers has improved the quality of teaching specific school subjects. This contributes to improving university entrant qualification and breaks the cycle of poverty as most beneficiaries are first-time university entrants in their families."

As Unisa celebrates its 150 years milestone, Tabane says several workshops are planned for ES beneficiaries. He adds: "Through the Tateni: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty project and collaboration with DPWI, the college recently hosted a University Readiness event for new entrants and a Principals’ Forum for schools participating in the project." Tabane further remarks that at another recent launch, 72 bursaries were awarded, 58% of which were awarded to females to transform a male-dominated industry.

Going forward, various projects in CEDU on how to transform the lives of disadvantaged communities through engaged scholarship and community building will be promoted through events.

Tabane is an educational expert who participates in media analysis on various academic matters, primarily focusing on educational psychology. His participation will position CEDU within the health studies niche area as part of the university’s 150 years celebration.

#Unisa150      #Unisa150Stories

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement