DESPITE missed school days and the added stress of lockdown, Engen Maths and Science (EMSS) learner, Nikita Perumal achieved an 85 per cent average for matric.
An alumnus of Arena Park Secondary School in South Durban, Nikita achieved 86 per cent for English and 84 per cent for both Maths and Science. Nikita attended the EMSS free supplementary programme at Fairvale Secondary School and scooped the top spot at the centre.
She plans to study Mechanical Engineering at UKZN Howard College this year.
“I want to qualify as a mechanical engineer and then branch off into aviation engineering,” she said, adding that she feels lucky to come from a small and joyful family who are all career driven. “That same work ethic has permeated into my approach to life. My philosophy is to always consider how my actions today will affect the actions that happen tomorrow. Like everyone, I want to achieve my dreams, but I want to go even further than that and create a legacy.”
Her advice for the matric students of 2021 is not to let fear take hold of you. “This is your last year of schooling, so make memories and mistakes but keep your main focus on giving it all you’ve got in your finals.” Nikita, said attending the extra classes in Grade 11 and 12 helped her better understand certain sections and opened her up to new methods and a broader social circle. “EMSS encourages simple yet effective ways of grasping complex topics, which boosted my confidence.”
The long-running EMSS programme offers supplementary maths, science and English tuition to underprivileged grade 10-12 learners. Saturday classes are held at Fairvale High School, Ganges High School, Howard College, and Mangosuthu University of Technology in KZN as well as other locations across the country.
Engen’s General Manager of corporate strategy and communications, Khalid Latiff explained that the EMSS programme focuses specifically on providing extra tuition in “gateway” subjects such as mathematics and science, which are considered critical in addressing the country’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development. Latiff said the company is incredibly proud of Nikita and all the learners who completed matric in 2020, especially under a difficult set of circumstances.
“Our ultimate reward is to help set them all up to pursue stimulating careers that won’t only benefit them personally, but also the broader macro economy of South Africa. Engen, congratulates Nikita and the Engen Maths and Science School class of 2020 and offers a well-deserved round of applause to all the learners and teachers.”
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