The new Schools Improvement Initiative (SII) marked two red-letter occasions in quick succession in May - its official launch, and a day later its inaugural series of seminars.

On 28 May, the initiative - established by vice-chancellor Dr Max Price to address a key national concern - hosted its formal launch at the Centre of Science & Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha. "Through this initiative the university is committing itself to playing a more deliberate role in engaging practically, developmentally and critically with the challenges of schooling in this country," said SII director and former COSAT principal, Dr Jonathan Clark.

Assoc Prof Roshan Galvaan, Pam Gretschel, and Liesl Peters of the Division of Occupational Therapy were the speakers at the SII's first seminar, which was attended by educators, principals and representatives from the private sector.