The minister of science and technology, Mosibudi Mangena, has launched the national youth camps project aimed at promoting technology, engineering, science and accountancy professions as careers of choice.
With a R25 million investment by the Department of Science and Technology, the project will be rolled-out in six provinces - Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, Free State and Western Cape.
The project is offered in conjunction with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), which will assist students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to enter these professions.
"Research shows that there`s a steep decline in interest among the youth in these subjects. Also, 50% of the teachers of these subject are either unqualified or under qualified," says ministerial spokesperson Nelvis Qekema.
Through the camps, learners will receive expert tuition as well as motivational support and career counseling, says Qekema.
About 100 previously disadvantaged grades 11 and 12 learners from each province have been selected for the first camps.
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