It has been a journey of learning and discovery for both Space Age Technologies as well as the five Grade 8 learners who are part of Space Age Technologies' “SATlings” community social investment (CSI) programme.
The project was launched in July 2009 at Stellenbosch's Cloetesville High School, and over this brief six-month period, has already borne fruit, with four of the five learners showing a marked improvement in their academic results.
The five were selected based on very strict criteria. The goal was to provide assistance to learners who had potential, but needed extra motivation and assistance. The learners on the project received extra mathematics and English lessons, as well as regular mentorship and outings, over the last five months.
When asked about what they felt about being part of the programme, they had this to say:
“The tutor lessons were very helpful, especially with my exam preparation,” said Nielin Baartman (14-years-old).
“Being a part of the programme makes me feel like I can achieve anything I want to,” said Andrea Le Roux (14-years-old).
“I really enjoyed our mentorship outings, because I got too see places I've always wanted to go to. My best outing was the one to Ratanga Junction!” said Jeromaine Marlo (14-years-old).
* As of the final term results, four of the five SATlings occupy the first four positions in the grade. Before the learners joined the SATlings project, only two occupied top five positions.
* Nielin Baartman moved from 20th position in the second term to 13th position in the fourth term, and is now also top in the grade for mathematics.
* Tarryn Joubert moved up from eighth to third position.
* Jeromaine Marlo also showed marked improvement when she moved from seventh to fourth position. Jeromaine did not feature in the top 20 in mathematics for the first two terms, and since the tutoring began, she improved to 20th position in the third term and then to 13th position in the fourth term. She showed a 6% improvement from the second term to the fourth.
Congratulations are definitely in order to the five SATlings who, despite their very busy schedules, dedicated themselves to their after-school lessons, working very hard to achieve impressive results in their final exams.
Programme co-ordinator, Asmaa' Sayed, commented: “We have built an amazing give and take relationship with Cloetesville High School, and they are always eager to help wherever they can. Our relationship is really a partnership: We do what we do with the school and not just for the school.”
Cloetesville High School recently held a small ceremony to thank Space Age Technologies for providing a much needed helping hand to their learners. In thanking Space Age Technologies, Dr Rogers (Acting Principal) said: “Cloetesville High School would like to thank Space Age Technologies for all time and effort they have dedicated to our school. It gives me hope when members of the community show that they care about the future of our children as much as we do.”
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Space Age Technologies
Space Age Technologies is a managed service provider based in Stellenbosch, providing IT services and solutions to small and medium companies, with head offices in the greater Cape Town region.
The company was started 15 years ago by two Stellenbosch engineering students, Mark Geschke and Mathias T"olken. Space Age sees the SATlings project as one way in which the company can give back to the community in an area that is severely lacking - the education of children from poor communities. Space Age hopes to get other companies involved in the programme to increase its impact. The objective for this first phase was to prove that the concept works, and that it will make a difference.
Space Age Technologies
1st Floor, Block B
De Wagenweg Office Park
Stellentia Street
Stellenbosch
7600
Web: http://www.spaceage.co.za
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