Staff Reporter
Maths and Science was the bedrock upon which we build our future professionals, innovators, and leaders, said the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube.
“We need to all join hands and build a solid foundation for a quality and efficient basic education system, from Early Childhood Development (ECD), through the Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Phases, to the Further Education and Training (FET) Band,” said the Minister.
She was speaking during the PrimeStars Youth Social Organization Programme, which took place at the Standard Bank Centre in Johannesburg. In its quest to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in rural communities, PrimeStars, in partnership with the DBE, launched the eduCate Programme designed to facilitate comprehensive revision sessions for 300,000 learners in 1,000 lower quintile public schools across all nine provinces.
Managing Director of PrimeStars, Martin Sweet, said that the success of the eduCate Programme was made possible by the commitment of the DBE towards improving learning outcomes in STEM subjects.
He assured the Minister that PrimeStars will channel its resources towards improving literacy and numeracy in schools to align itself with key areas of focus in the 7th Administration.
Gwarube said that by fostering an interest in STEM from an early age, schools can help learners to develop the competencies required for future careers, drive economic growth and ensure that the next generation is well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of a technology-driven world.
“Maths and Science play a crucial role in preparing students for the future by equipping them with essential skills for a rapidly evolving job market. The poor uptake of STEM subjects in public schools, and the low Matric Math and Physical Science pass rate at basic education level, is extremely concerning, as it poses significant challenges for institutions of higher learning and inevitably, our economy,” she said.
Gwarube thanked PrimeStars for sustaining the eduCate Programme for the past 14 years adding that, “the Department supports and strongly encourages initiatives that assist South African learners to perform above their academic expectations and become more meaningful contributors to our economy. Partnerships are key to the success of learners and the system as a whole”.
INSIDE EDUCATION
