Faith issue in schools tackled

Barbara Creecy the MEC for education in Gauteng. File picture:Giyani Baloi

Barbara Creecy the MEC for education in Gauteng. File picture:Giyani Baloi

Published Mar 18, 2013

Share

Johannesburg - A team of faith-based organisations is to develop an “anti-harmful” religious strategy in schools, Gauteng education MEC Barbara Creecy said on Monday.

“The practitioners from faith-based organisations are developing an anti-harmful religious practice strategy to guide and protect learners from spiritual attacks and abuse.”

In a statement prepared for delivery at a signing ceremony with religious groups, Creecy said “harmful practices” included Satanism and occultism.

They were being dealt with as and when they arose and were reported.

“The situation in our schools is not at crisis level because teachers also offer spiritual support where they can, but when capacity is required, external help is arranged through districts,” the MEC said.

The team will work together with the department's inclusive and special schools directorate to offer support with the consent of parents. The process is co-ordinated by the department's faith for quality education co-ordinators.

Creecy said: “The strategy will include the role of parents, teachers, and learners and will be in line with the department's religion policy in public schools.” - Sapa

Related Topics: