Quality physical education and the partnership concept

Abstract

The latter part of the 20th century is strewn with examples of initiatives to address issues related to physical education (PE) and sport internationally. During this period dreams were dreamt, declarations were drafted, information was communicated to those in leadership positions and although scientific research on the significance of physical activity increased dramatically the findings of the Worldwide Audit indicate that PE is the missing commodity in the school curriculum of many countries. This paper attempts to address partnerships as an alternative concept to ensure that quality PE programmes are offered at schools. Literature on education, PE and partnership strategies was reviewed, which typifies the methodology applied as qualitative research within the interpretative science paradigm. Although domestic and global competitiveness challenges imply that government resources are fully committed to the immediate social, economic, education and health crises international concerns regarding PE opens doors for collaboration with intergovernmental organisations, international donor organisations, etc. Since 1994 a number of initiatives were attempted to reinstate PE and school sport. However, the Department of Education has no policy on PE and school sport and no personnel dealing with it specifically. Another area of concern is that the infrastructure in education departments and most schools is underdeveloped and does not favour policy implementation. On many occasions the South African government has stated that it cannot build a high quality education and training system alone. National key initiatives in education are managed by macro-structured organisations and provincial trusts that focus on education challenges faced by each province. However, government does not accord PE and sport the level of attention as other national policies that affect people at large. Partnership projects in the Western Cape clearly indicate a dire need for collaboration between different government departments to address social issues through PE and sport. Politicians cannot ignore a powerful national forum backed by an international forum comprising of PE and sports science related organisations and other powerful groups. In a collaborative effort government has to be convinced that physical well-being should be accorded the same national importance as literacy and numeracy. (S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2002 24 (2): 101-109)