Closing underachieving schools
Friday, September 05, 2025 | 20 Views |
The closure of a school may appear drastic and harsh. But when seen in the context of securing fundamental and inalienable rights of children to education, it is a fair and just intervention.
Schools are established to make a positive impact on the lives of children under their care. The right of children not only to quality and relevant education but also to a safe, clean and healthy school environment should be jealously protected at all times. In our jurisdiction, no public school, insofar as my memory can serve me, has been closed by an act of government on account of failure to meet educational standards and serve students.
Yet, while this crisis ravages the communities, the administration is championing a major, resource-intensive legal reform and the establishment of a dedicated Constitutional Court. While the principle of strengthening constitutional justice is commendable, the timing is profoundly misplaced. When the President himself admits the government coffers are limited, every thebe and every moment of political capital must be directed towards the...