Eskom helps improve maths and science in Mpumalanga schools

The Eskom Development Foundation recently completed a three year programme aimed at assisting ten secondary schools in Mpumalanga to improve their maths and science learning.

This corporate social investment initiative, which started in 2013, included ten schools from around Middelburg, Delmas, eMalahleni and Belfast. Each school received a fully stocked mobile laboratory, physical science textbooks and study guides for their grade 11 and 12 learners.

The objectives of the programme were to help the learners improve their results and assist educators to enhance their delivery of lessons to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and understanding. Upon its completion, the programme had benefitted 1 345 learners and 13 educators in mathematics and 978 learners and 10 educators in physical science.

After only one year in 2014, the programme had helped the schools achieve pass rates of 82% average in maths and 82% average in science for grade 12 learners. Out of 143 grade 12 learners, 69 qualified for degree studies, 35 for diploma, 29 for higher certificate and only 10 failed. The overall grade 11 and 12 learners’ average marks improved as they also received extra lessons.

From left are Lungile Dasi (Krl. CSI member), Jabulane Mavimbela (general manager), P. Mabala (DOE Manager – Bethal Circuit), Rethabile Mabela (ambassador), Milton Mulaudzi (ambassador), and Lydia Malaza (Principal, AD Nkosi High School).

All the educators were up skilled and given training to be able to use the science laboratories and equipment to teach. The educators’ conceptual skills were improved by between 25% and 30%. In 2016, grade 11 learners showed an increase of 35% in learner attainment while grade 12 learners showed an average increase of 40%.

The programme forms part of the Eskom Foundation’s drive to bring about meaningful and sustainable improvement in education through the provision of resources and training. It is one of the organisation’s biggest priorities to support education by creating an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning in schools.

The Eskom Development Foundation’s acting chief executive officer, Mr Cecil Ramonotsi says the Foundation is committed to making a difference in communities where Eskom operates and showing that the organisation is more than just an electricity supplier.

“Programmes such as these allow us to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy in communities. We have a shortage of some critical skills in our country, particularly in the maths and science field; therefore by equipping schools with the necessary tools and skills to educate their learners, we are seeking to help address that shortage,” said Ramonotsi.