Primestars launched the ninth edition of its EduCate programme in Sandton which provides extra maths and science lessons to learners from underprivileged schools.
The programme aims to help thousands of young learners improve their marks in the two subjects ahead of their final matric exams. From 28 July learners are bussed into cinemas around the country to receive five maths and science lessons respectively.
Martin Sweet, the managing director of Primestars, said, “A solid maths and science grounding is crucial, especially when it comes to acceptance for various degrees, future career success and meeting the ever-changing demands of technological world…yet disparities in availability of resources in South Africa’s school’s means that while some excel, others get left behind.”
Through the programme, over 90 000 learners had the opportunity to go through the revision lessons last year. Sweet said that through the programme they hope to make maths and science exciting and help learners conquer their fears of these subjects.
The Vaal University of Technology’s chancellor Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi has been a supporter of the programme for the past seven years and said he was immediately taken by the idea. Mkhwanazi, who is a doctor of nuclear physics, shared how his life had been changed by a good maths and science education.
“These children that we are sponsoring are less-fortunate, they either do not have a qualified maths teacher, or don’t have a maths and science teacher at all in their school… this is really the opportunity of a lifetime for them.”
He added that there is now a database of former learners so that they can follow the learners after they finish school. He shared how he met an alum of the programme who had been obtaining 30 per cent before the programme but managed to significantly improve her marks and went on to become a chemical engineer.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Buti Manamela said programmes like EduCate are so valuable and appreciated in their efforts to assist young learners. “The EduCate programme sets young people on a path that will allow them to unleash their creativity and innovation and develop the skills that will be much-needed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Details: Primestars 011 430 4743.
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