It’s the beginning of a new year and just when we hoped that life would be returning to some kind of normal, South Africa headed into the second wave of Covid-19 at an alarming rate. Schooling has been in some form of disruption since March 2020 and as we embark on the journey of a new year ahead we can only but imagine the effects that this ongoing disruption in the education sector is having on our learners – the backpack is heavy.

In this episode’s feature story, podcast host Kentse Radebe chats to well-known education specialist Dr Allistair Witten and Louise Albertyn. They unpack some of the challenges facing learners going into 2021, as well as sharing some insight into how educators and parents can approach this year. Al is the founding director of the Centre for the Community School in the Faculty of Education at Nelson Mandela University and Louise is the senior advisor to the UCT Graduate School of Business’s Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the Education Innovation portfolio.

In the ‘Positive Outlook’ segment Simnikiwe Xanga interviews Ziphindile Mbiza, Spark Schools’ principal of SPARK Rosslyn Hub in Soshanguve. The SPARK schools are well known for their innovative approach to education. Listen as Ziphindile talks about some of the great work they’ve done during Covid-19 to ensure that their learners receive the best possible support.

If you’re looking to change the way you change the world – this podcast is for you.

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