Telkom's mobile arm, 8ta, is unveiling a nationwide maths and science revision campaign - Educ8 Matric Maths and Science Revision - to help disadvantaged grade 12 learners.
Each revision session will be filmed from a single venue and simultaneously broadcast to a network of digitised SterKinekor theatres throughout SA.
The sessions will run every Sunday, from 31 July until 2 October, according to the operator.
“The 'theatre of learning concept' will engage learners in an entertaining and educational networking opportunity. SterKinekor will broadcast the sessions in 15 theatres nationwide.”
Subject experts will be available at each movie theatre to assist and answer questions from the learners.
“8ta, as the Educ8 Matric Maths and Science Revision funder, will also provide refreshments for the learners. Samsung will distribute a comprehensive summary of study notes to all attending learners. Gifts such as cellphones, scientific calculators, math sets and stationery will be given to the learners,” says the operator.
It adds that, through an organisation called Studietrust, five bursaries from the Sasol Inzalo Foundation have been secured to be given to qualifying project participants.
BHP Billiton will transport learners to the various cinemas. Schools selected to attend the revision sessions were chosen from the Department of Basic Education's list of previously-disadvantaged schools.
8ta says BHP Billiton will also provide pre-recorded DVDs for learners in rural areas who are unable to attend the sessions.
Critical subjects
“We all need to acknowledge that maths and science education is the foundation for so many jobs in our economy. Increasingly, these subjects are a critical component of getting ahead,” says 8ta executive marketing and sales Stephen Blewett.
Ntutule Tshenye, of corporate citizenship at Samsung Africa, says the company is interested in developing young skilled leaders in Africa.
“One of our goals is to develop 10 000 electronic engineers across Africa by 2015 through our Samsung Engineering Academy. A strong maths and science foundation is critical for students to succeed in the engineering field, as well as in many other careers.”
He adds that the aim of the Educ8 Matric Maths and Science Revision programme is to raise awareness around the importance of maths and science, and provide students with the opportunity to improve their performance in these subjects.
“We believe that these kinds of sustainable partnerships are fundamental to the development of Africa's future thought leaders.”
Martin Sweet, MD of Primestars Marketing, which is also a partner in the programme, urged matriculants to take advantage of the initiative.
“If we don't commit to improving the skills and expertise of our youth, we will not be able to strengthen our country's economy.”
Learners and teachers who would like more information on how to be part of the revision sessions can call 081 445 9233. Alternatively, learners can SMS their name, contact number and school to 081 445 9233 and they will be contacted. They can also register by sending an e-mail to matricrevision@gmail.com.
Maths slip
Fewer matriculants passed mathematics during the 2010 National Senior Certificate Examinations than in 2009 and this will lead to fewer ICT professionals and could result in harm to SA's economy.
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga in January released the country's matric pass rates for 2010. The class achieved a pass rate of 67.8%, an improvement on the 60.6% who passed in 2009, and the highest rate in several years.
However, Motshekga was dismayed with the number of matriculants who passed mathematics. “We are certainly not happy with the current number of passes in mathematics, and have planned to continue investing significant effort and resources in ensuring the pass rate, as well as quality of mathematics, is significantly improved this year.”
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