UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (left) and UFT Director of Community and Parent Engagement Nicholas Cruz (second from left, back row) with the South African delegation of educators at a school in District 5.
| Dear Parent / Caregiver, A delegation of educators from the South African Democratic Teachers Union and the South African Education Labour Relations Council came all the way to New York City to visit the UFT on April 28 and 29. They wanted to learn more about the pension system and universal pre-K programs that the UFT has been instrumental in building. They also wanted to learn more about our parent engagement. After visiting schools, they enjoyed a UFT BRAVE anti-bullying workshop. Afterwards, we sent them a copy of a presentation to use as a template for their anti-bullying programs back home. Remember: You can reserve a UFT BRAVE anti-bullying workshop for your PTA by filling out our workshop request form. The South African delegation consisted of Ms. Nolusindiso Octavia Focus, the general secretary of the South African Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC); Mr. Luvuyo Livingstone Bono, the chairperson the ELRC; Mr. Magope Lucas Maphila, the president of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU); Mr. Mugweng John Maluke, the general secretary of SADTU; Mr. Jonavon Keith Rustin, the provincial secretary of SADTU; and Mr. Mogamat Salie Faker, the chief director of education human resource management and labor relations at the South African National Department of Basic Education. I hope you have a great summer, and I look forward to seeing you at more UFT parent and caregiver events in the fall. In the meantime, check out some resources and news below. Sincerely, Nicholas Cruz UFT Director of Community and Parent Engagement ncruz@uft.org |