|
20 November 2003
The News Editor
Media Invitation to a New Partnership in Education
ESKOM AND ENGEN PETROLEUM LTD
ELANGENI HOTEL – CONFERENCE CENTRE
Monday, 24 November 2003 at 10H30
To increase the levels of Mathematics and Science in deep
rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal, a new partnership has emerged between Indumiso
ESKOM Institute for Mathematics and Science Education and Engen Pertoleum
Limited. The partnership will be officially launched at the Elangeni Hotel, on
Monday, 24 November 2003 at 10H30. Engen Pertoleum Limited will officially
hand-over a cheque of R347 160.00 to the Institute to groom future Chemical and
Electrical Engineers. Eight previously disadvantaged High schools will benefit
in the next three years in the Pietermaritzburg Region.
ESKOM for the past six years have been involved to reverse
the imbalances in education, which targeted those learners who fail Maths and
Science at Matric Level. It is against this background that ESKOM has funded an
intervention programme "Classroom Based Support Programme for Grade 10 to
12 Educators and Learners to the tune of R5.4 million nationally.
The Institute will engage experts in Mathematics and Science
education to train educators of the pilot schools in the effective methods of
teaching the two subjects. In addition two ESKOM facilitators can be consulted
on a daily basis and will work hand in hand with Subject Advisors and the
Director of Education. These facilitators will occasionally hold contact
sessions with learners. A resource centre will also be set-up for demonstrations
and if possible educators can bring their learners to the centre.
The partnership’s key objectives are to increase the number
of students, who pass Maths and Science; to give educators confidence when
teaching these subjects; to motivate and support the educators and learners; to
increase the number of students who pursue science related areas; to increase
the number of scientists who hail from rural areas; to dispute the misconception
that science subjects are difficult and to encourage more females students to
choose science subjects. It is envisaged that the community of Pietermaritzburg
will benefit and as a long-term social investment the sponsors, ESKOM and ENGEN
will be in a position to recruit trainee technicians from the target audience.
This project is in compliance with the RDP principles that is, accessibility of
Maths and Science in rural areas, as its social investment.
The fortunate schools to benefit from this partnership are:
Swayimane High Trustfeed High, Mpolweni High, Sibongumusa High, Ekupholeni High,
Gobizembe High, Mayizekanye High and Indala High School.
Mandla Msibi
Director: Communication and Public Relations
Tel.: (035) 874 342
Cell: 083 461 6253
Fax: (035) 874 3640
Back |
