Future Maths and science stars given a boost

The shortage of matriculants with the maths and science results needed to service the requirements of South Africa’s economy remains a substantial problem in the country.

“The most recent matric results of the 552 000 learners who wrote the 2009 National Senior Certificate at government schools show that the problems with maths and science remain,” says Dial Direct Insurance spokesperson, Bradley Du Chenne.

For this reason, Dial Direct Insurance has contributed considerably to the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy.

“Less than 10% of learners passed the maths exam with a mark of 50% or better, and just a little more than 10% of those who wrote the physical science exam passed with a mark of 50% or better,” Du Chenne adds.

Dial Direct Insurance’s support of the Thandulwazi academy means a brighter future for SA’s high school graduates who have an interest in pursuing highly sought-after careers in maths and science in SA.

The 2010 Thandulwazi Teacher Development Programme got underway at the beginning of the year with a good turnout, and two further sessions took place last month. The continued generosity of a group of almost 500 teachers has ensured that learners from 138 schools from greater Johannesburg, Limpopo and Mpumalanga have access to the best possible school education.

The Saturday School programme has been running since late January and has proven to be more popular than ever. To date, more than 2000 learners have registered.

“The unexpected increase in numbers in the Saturday School has the programme under considerable pressure, but the team has coped remarkably well in handling the increased demands,” says Du Chenne.

The Thandulwazi academy is the difference between success and a university education, and failure for many of the learners who attend its classes. A survey completed by Thandulwazi learners found that they face a variety of difficulties at their day schools, including that their teachers either teach too quickly or poorly or rush through syllabi. Learners maintain that teachers are often absent or unqualified, and that they find learning in English difficult.

Thandulwazi is committed to ensuring that all activities are well managed and monitored to ensure that donor funds are spent appropriately, activities undertaken are transparent and that there is good value in terms of spending (i.e. good school results).

Dial Direct Insurance maintains that it is priority of the private sector to address the quality of maths and science education