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The theme of the Lekgotla was “Strengthening foundations for a resilient future-fit education system.
“Being at the Lekgotla was an excellent exposure for me as a teacher educator with interest in social justice, inclusive education and human rights.
“The platform demonstrated alternative research questions that I, my colleagues and the students that we work with should be asking. The discussions and suggestions validated the work we do while also revealing the gaps that need our urgent attention,” Prof Mosito said.
Prof Mosito’s panel provided information on what Teaching for All entails as a materials and teacher development programme aimed at equipping pre- and in-service teachers with knowledge, skills and attitudes for inclusion.
Importantly, they highlighted how the programme is driven by principles of social justice and human rights, and recognises the centrality of teacher agency in realising inclusive and quality education for all.
The other panellists joining Prof Mosito were Joanne Newton (Senior Partnerships Adviser, Cultural Engagement, Sub-Saharan Africa at British Council), Jabulani Ngcobo (Director of Inclusive Education in the DBE), Dianne Williams, (Chief Education Specialist from the Western Cape Education Department); and Thabo Mofolo (Teacher at Ntha Primary in the Free State).
The combination of this panel demonstrated the collaborative nature of the Teaching for All programme, and how that could serve as a model for potential success of educational responses when different stakeholders work together.
In the case of Teaching for All, the programme has at different phases brought together stakeholders like the British Council, DBE, DHET, Universities involved in teacher education and civil society organisations.
Prof Mosito has played different roles in the Teaching for All programme since its inception in 2017 as a researcher, in materials development and as a teacher educator.
She has also provided academic leadership during the roll-out of the programme in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and currently in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE).
Teaching for All aligns with her research interests that include support strategies for child development and learning in challenging circumstances, and mainstreaming inclusive education in teacher education.
The objectives of the Lekgotla included:
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strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD) for better learning outcomes in later years
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focusing on improving literacy and numeracy skills, especially through a Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) approach to meet constitutional education goals
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enhancing the curriculum to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills for an evolving world and
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providing teacher support and development to help educators nurture children's minds and teach lifelong skills.
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the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) Programme ensures inclusive education, supporting vulnerable children and making schools centres of care and learning.
Notable speakers and guests included President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande, as well as UNICEF, UNESCO, and SAHRC representatives.