West Coast Schools Face Overcrowding – Teacher Cuts Spark Concern
By Cape Coast News
Schools across the West Coast are grappling with severe overcrowding after significant teacher cuts, mirroring the crisis recently seen in Macassar. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has faced mounting pressure to reinstate educators as classrooms swell beyond capacity, impacting learning quality.
In Macassar, 40 teachers were cut from eight schools, leaving some classes with 65 learners and even two teachers covering four Grade 1 classes. A community-led forum successfully fought for the reinstatement of at least 10 teachers, but many schools remain understaffed.
Similar challenges are being reported in West Coast schools, where learners struggle in overcrowded classrooms, and some grades operate without a dedicated teacher. Parents and education advocates warn that the situation threatens the quality of education, especially in disadvantaged communities.
“We cannot expect teachers to deliver quality education with 60-plus children in one class,” said a concerned parent. “Many of these children need individual attention, especially in the foundation phase.”
Despite the WCED stating that schools must follow proper appointment procedures, critics argue that delays in hiring and budget constraints are worsening the crisis.
With mid-term assessments approaching, calls for urgent intervention are growing. Parents and education activists continue to demand solutions to ensure that no child is left behind due to administrative and financial challenges.
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