The government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 5% increase in the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) pass rate to enhance the results, following the release of this year’s performance. While there was a marginal improvement of just over 1%, the results have been deemed insufficient by education officials, raising concerns about the pace of progress in the education sector.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Minister of Basic Education and Child Welfare, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, expressed her disappointment with the modest improvement, noting that the increase of 1.30% in students achieving grade C and above, compared to the previous year, fell far short of expectations. She emphasized that while any positive change is welcomed, more concerted efforts must be made to address the underlying challenges facing the education system.
Kgafela-Mokoka pointed out that the government’s target of a 5% improvement is necessary to ensure that primary education continues to meet the needs of students and prepares them adequately for secondary education. She also highlighted that the results reveal significant gaps in performance that need immediate attention, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas where educational resources are often limited.
The Ministry of Basic Education is expected to implement various strategies to meet the 5% improvement goal, including increased investment in teacher training, improved infrastructure, and a more targeted approach to addressing the needs of underperforming students. Moreover, stakeholders from across the education sector are being urged to collaborate and contribute to creating a more supportive learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, while the 1% improvement in the PSLE results is a step in the right direction, the government’s goal of achieving a 5% increase underscores the urgency of systemic changes to enhance the quality of education in the country. With continued focus and the implementation of effective strategies, the education ministry hopes to see more substantial improvements in the coming years.
