As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the Department of Education together with the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre brought 1 600 girl learners from schools around Gauteng for a two-day Girl Learner Seminar.
Creecy urged girls to plan their post-school careers and to work hard to achieve success in the world of work. Highlighting the importance of science and technology to the economy, she encouraged girls to consider careers in this area.
She also called on girl learners to take advantage of the many opportunities in the science and technical fields in South Africa, because of the serious lack of skills in these sectors of the economy.
Creecy promised that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) would support girl learners who strived to perform well despite their backgrounds.
“There are many examples of women and young girls that have succeeded despite obstacles, because they are focused and determined to beat the challenges. What you achieve depends less on your background than on how hard you are prepared to work to be successful, despite the obstacles you may have to face,” Creecy says.
She adds that there are plenty opportunities available for those learners who are prepared to strive for success.
“The GDE offers bursaries to the top learners in all our priority schools. The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) has many additional bursaries available for learners. So, if you make the effort, we will be ready to support you and assist you to go all the way.”
Creecy says that it was worth noting that in 2011, there were 14 316 girls who wrote the physical science exam.
Over 57 per cent passed and 653 girls achieved distinctions.
In 2012, the number of girls writing physical science increased to 15 297 and the pass rate improved to just under 69 per cent with 600 distinctions.
Creecy adds that there should be no doubt about girls’ abilities to excel in the sciences.
