Thandulwazi and Dial Direct

The poor level of maths and science education in South African schools contributes to a worrying lack of preparedness amongst students entering tertiary education in the fields of maths and science. It’s also a threat to the country’s future economic growth.

According to information on the Parliamentary Monitoring Group website*, the lack of university readiness in applicants, especially in relation to maths and science, as well as the high drop out rates, which were up to 35% at some universities in 2008, are a growing national concern.

“School leavers are ill-prepared for pursuing tertiary studies in the sciences and mathematics fields, with the result that too many of them sadly drop out before they reach the end of their first year at university.

“Quality maths and science education is also essential for preparing young people to become effective contributors to the economy as these subjects provide the foundation for so many jobs.

“Education and economic growth are inextricably linked because without a properly-skilled workforce, the country’s growth and development cannot be adequately supported.

“The level of maths and science education in South Africa must be improved and more learners must be attracted to these fields to ensure a more competitive and productive nation,” says Bradley Du Chenne, spokesperson for Dial Direct Insurance

Dial Direct believes that addressing the quality of maths and science education should be a national priority and a concerted effort that is supported by the private sector. As such, the company has pledged its support for the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy with a donation of R386 000.

According to Du Chenne, the company has a hands-on approach to supporting this initiative. For instance, Dial Direct Insurance employees with the relevant qualifications and expertise will be actively involved in various teaching initiatives with the Academy, and 14 members of Thandulwazi recently visited Dial Direct for the day to explore and experience the organisation first hand.

The Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy was established in 2006 by the St Stithians Foundation in response to the desperate need to improve education in South Africa, primarily in the areas of mathematics and science. Its Saturday School Programme, for which Dial Direct’s funding is being used, supplements Maths, Science and English learning for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners.

In addition to the Saturday School Programme, Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy works with various bodies to up-skill maths and science educators and create capacity within disadvantaged schools whereby the expertise available at St Stithians and its corporate partners is used to help raise the standard of maths and science education.

Thandulwazi also provides assistance to young South Africans who demonstrate exceptional talent in the areas of maths and science to develop their talents in a supportive and challenging school that excels in maths and science teaching.

“Thandulwazi is doing wonderful things to help improve the quality of maths and science education. Its programmes are proving highly successful and because this is an issue that is close to our heart, we are very proud to be able to make a contribution to help the Trust further its goals,” concludes Du Chenne