Dear Portfolio Committee on Basic Education,

I am writing to address the lack of awareness in marginalized black communities, especially in rural areas, regarding the many factors that affect child development in primary and higher education.

As someone from a marginalized black background who recently completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Linguistics, I have observed a significant lack of awareness in these communities about factors influencing cognitive development. This, in turn, impacts children's abilities to successfully complete high school, potentially leading to frequent failures or even dropout.

I urge the Department of Education to consider bringing in linguists, particularly in rural areas, to educate parents about language development and how they can proactively assist their children in acquiring learning materials. Many parents in rural areas believe their only role is to send their children to school and help with homework, not realizing the profound impact they can have on their children's academic lives.

A considerable number of children from low-income backgrounds struggle academically and may eventually drop out due to illiteracy. This inability to read or write can stem from various factors that parents may not understand, leading to feelings of shame and guilt in the children, who may feel inadequate.

I have an older cousin who struggled academically for several years before deciding to eventually drop out in grade 8 while I passed ahead of him Matric [while he was doing grade 8]. Our family never considered that he might need a psychological evaluation for potential learning disorders or disabilities because we lacked awareness of these issues. I know many individuals, particularly boys, who have dropped out, often feeling they have simply given up. This is often due to shame and self-doubt; they do not speak out about their needs or understand who to approach for help.

It is crucial to raise awareness around these issues to eliminate the shame associated with failure and to foster greater understanding among parents about how to support their children when challenges arise. This also enables teachers to be more considerate toward learners, allowing them to recognize subtle signs that a child may be struggling academically for their grade level. Involving educational psychologists for students facing difficulties could provide substantial assistance.

Numerous psychological and environmental factors may contribute to why children ultimately drop out, and many go unnoticed. They are often compared to their peers who succeed, leading to questions such as, "Why can't you do it if other kids can?"

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this important issue. Thank you for your time.