Update: 03 April 2024
How to make a submission
If you are here you likely will have seen the You Tube video. If not you can watch it here. Below is the submission template. Please remember not to copy and send it as is, but to add in all the relevant details. Instructions to help you fill it in are in CAPS and square brackets. Please don't include those.
If you press on the address next to the "To" field your browser should open an email for you.
To help us keep track of submissions please fill in the "BCC" field addresses.
You can keep it as short as you like. Once you have filled all the details into your email don't forget to attach the detailed submission that you can find here. You can download a Word document below.
UPDATE: Submission to Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Micro-Schools Submissions Template
[“TO” field:] wasiema.hassenmoosa@wcpp.gov.za
[“BCC” field:] educationfirst@learnfree.co.za [AND/OR FOR PESTALOZZI TRUST MEMBERS OR SUPPORTERS] educationfreedomSA@gmail.com
[INSERT IN SUBJECT LINE]: BASIC EDUCATION LAWS AMENDMENT BILL
[BODY]
Honourable Adv. Baartman (MPP) and Members of the Standing Committee on Education
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the BELA Bill currently before the committee.
I am a [PICK JUST ONE] supporter of Education First [OR] a concerned citizen, [OR] a supporter of independent micro-schools [OR IF YOU ARE AN OWNER, PARENT OR LEARNER IN AN INDEPENDENT MICRO-SCHOOL AND DON’T MIND BEING IDENTIFIED AS SUCH YOU CAN EXPLAIN THAT]
Unfortunately, I have to reject this bill for the following reasons [CHOOSE 3 OF THE 5 OR ADD YOUR OWN REASONS]:
1) The best interests of learners are not protected in BELA Bill.
2) BELA Bill does nothing to address the overcrowding in schools.
3) No provision made for the registration of independent micro schools and in the Western Cape schools with less than 20 learners (10 for schools for learners with special needs) can't register.
4) The penalty for establishing or operating an unregistered independent micro school is increased to 12 months from 3 months with no motivation given.
5) Freedom of Curriculum and Assessment is not protected.
I support the Education First Research Group’s submission and their specific clause-by-clause proposals that are attached.
Sincerely yours,
[Name and surname]
[Email]
[Daytime telephone number]
This submission template is such a helpful guide for anyone looking to have their voice heard on the BELA Bill. It's great to see how clear and well-structured the instructions are, making it easy for people to personalize and submit their concerns effectively. The focus on protecting learners' interests and addressing key issues like overcrowding and independent micro-schools really resonates, and it's inspiring to see an emphasis on education freedom. It’s especially important that you’re encouraging people to actively engage in the process by providing all the necessary email details and offering different options for personalization. Kudos for empowering individuals and communities to make a difference in education policy!
As a parent I, disagree with the Bella Bill