New Ilitha High School opens to tackle pupil placement crisis in Khayelitsha
Ilitha High School has officially begun operations despite ongoing construction, responding to the growing demand for children's placement in the area.
Construction of the school started in September last year, and the school was officially opened last week. Last week's gathering marked the formal welcoming of teachers and pupils to the new institution.
At present, the school has employed six teachers as well as a principal, and the school has approached the Department of Education to request the addition of two more teachers to support the growing pupil population.
The school is currently awaiting a response from the department.
Grade 8 and Grade 9 pupils were ready and excited to attend school.
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
The school is operating with six classrooms - three Grade 8 classes and three Grade 9 classes. Each class accommodates 40 pupils, resulting in a total enrolment of 240 pupils. Due to the high demand for school placement in the surrounding communities, Grade 8 enrolment has already reached full capacity.
Circuit Manager, Nokuzola Malgas, said that the decision to open the school before construction was completed was driven by necessity.
“The school is still in its construction phase, but because of the number of pupils who were without placement, we had no choice but to open. At the moment, we have two grades operating, but the construction company responsible for the project has assured us that all classrooms, including the administration building, will be completed.”
Ms Malgas further indicated that once construction is finished, Ilitha High School is expected to have a total of 30 classrooms.
“This will enable the school to accommodate more grades in the coming years. We anticipate that we will be able to take in additional grades as early as next year, depending on the progress of the construction.”
Ward 98 Councillor Anele Gabuza welcomed the opening of the school and highlighted the importance of access to education for all pupils in the ward and surrounding areas.
“We want to ensure that no pupil is left behind. All the pupils currently attending this school were placed here by the Department of Education, and this shows that there is a real need for this institution in our community," he said.
The school is official opened while additional classrooms are still under construction to meet the growing demand for pupil placements.
Image: siyavuya khaya
Mr Gabuza added that the school currently has a principal appointed temporarily, who was transferred from another school in Khayelitsha to ensure stability during the school’s initial phase.
“As the school grows, we will put permanent structures in place. Next year, we plan to introduce Grade 10 and Grade 11, and in the third year of operation, the school will offer Grade 12. This will allow pupils to complete their high school education right here in their community.”
He said plans are underway to establish a school governing body in the future, once the school is fully operational.
“Our wish is to see every child in school. We do not want to see any child roaming the streets or being denied education because of a lack of space. Education remains a priority for this community,” he said.
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