Science on the go launch
Kimberley – The number of learners who are showing interests in Mathematics and Physical Science subjects in the Northern Cape is growing in the alarming rate. Through the partnership between the department and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) who operates under the Department of Public Works, a total of 134 learners from grade 10 to12 coming from the 11 selected schools in the Francis Baard District took part in the ‘Science on the Go’ programme. The programme is basically about extra classes for both Mathematics and Physical Science subjects which took place on Saturdays last year.
All the learners who formed part of the programme were recently awarded for their hard work at the prestigious event which took place in Kimberley. Learners were awarded with certificates of participations and useful prizes such as laptops and tablets, three learners Gabriel Chirundu, Lindile Stenge and Precious Malate were announced as the top achievers.
Speaking of her achievement, Malate a previous grade 12 learner from William Pescod High School said that she felt honored to have been a part of the programme. ‘’I am going to further my studies at the University of the Free State and have been accepted into their medical faculty. The programme helped me obtain the necessary results in Maths and Physical Science. I am excited for what the future holds and also thankful for the role that CBE and the Department of Education have played in shaping my future”.
With the partnership between CBE and the department entering its third year the organization has just strengthen the relationship by donating a Mobile Lab to the Teacher Centre recently. The aim of the Mobile Lab is to assist learners to improve their academic performance in Mathematics and Physical Science enabling the learners to potentially consider careers within the built environment.
The organization has been that tasked by the government to regulate and control the professions that operate in the built environment. These are the Architects, Engineers, Construction Managers, Property Valuers and Quantity Surveyors; the role of the CBE is to ensure that these professionals are relevantly qualified, that they serve the interests of the public, and that their work is of the required standard.
Speaking at the launch CBE chairperson, Isaac Nkosi said: “The programme is targeting schools in the under-resourced and far flung areas with Kimberley being a case point. It is a well known fact that up to 80% learners at school struggle with Maths and Science subjects at all levels and grades. Yet, most professions in the built environment all depend so heavily on these subjects. So, as much as they may hold potential and opportunities as career choices, the bottom line is not having the required Maths and Science ability is going to close many career doors. Therefore, our dream at the CBE, is to eventually run such a programme as this one here in Kimberley in every disadvantaged area in each province of South Africa, not just from Grade 10 – 12, but all the way from Grade 1 – 12. The earlier a learner starts liking and performing in Maths and Science, the greater are the chances of them gaining entrance into their first choice career; not doing something as a last resort because he/she could not get accepted into any other career field’’.