EduCate programme looks to increase matric pass rate
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says STEM subjects play a vital role in economic growth and the job market of the country.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has lamented the poor uptake of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in public schools, and the low matric pass rates, describing it as deeply concerning.
Speaking at the launch of the Primestars EduCate programme, which is a revision project for Grade 12 learners countrywide with an emphasis on the STEM subjects before the learners embark on their final matric examinations, Gwarube said STEM subjects play a crucial role in preparing learners for the future by equipping them with essential skills for a rapidly evolving job market.
“The demand for STEM trained professionals far outweighs the current capacity and supply, hindering South Africa’s economic growth and innovation capabilities,” Gwarube said, adding that the country needed to increase the uptake of these critical subjects.
She said the eduCate programme was a powerful intervention that improves exam results and shapes the futures and vocations of young people who need to be supported by more partners and more investment, to ensure no learner was left behind.
“It deeply saddens me to note the limited resources in lower quintile public schools, and the shortage of revision support for matric learners, have contributed to a low pass rate in these critical subjects,” she said.
The eduCate programme uses the ‘theatres of learning’ concept, where learners are transported from their schools to cinemas to receive a popcorn and soft drink combo, learning materials, and 20 hours of pre-recorded mathematics and physical science revision tutorials.
Asiel Matalingwane, a previous beneficiary from Commtech Comprehensive School in the Free State, spoke of how the eduCate programme helped him to get distinctions in both maths and science.
“It made my final examination journey easier by focusing on examination-type questions. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in engineering at Wits University and it’s all thanks to this programme.”
Thandolwethu Mangena is another success story of the programme from Dawnview High School in Gauteng. “The programmes focus on practical applications and problem-solving strategies boosted my confidence and enhanced my understanding of these complex subjects. Now, as I pursue my BSc in microbiology at the University of Pretoria, I can attest to the significant impact this programme has had on my academic journey.”
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