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Awards Ceremony

Penreach students beat all odds

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:56

Two hundred and fifty rural Grade 10-12 learners were congratulated for their outstanding achievements in the 2011 exams by Penreach at a ceremony held in Nelspruit. Among the dignitaries present was Ms Lerato Mphachoe, the Head of Physical Science at the Mpumalanga Department of Basic Education.

Despite their limited resources, students in this area are among the country’s high achievers and are now planning university careers. This thanks to the Penreach tutorial programme and funding from Sasol and other corporates.

Grade 12 learners wowed their tutors and teachers as they produced 15 A’s and 35 B’s in in the 2011 NSC Mathematics and Physical Science exams, paving the way for a professional career. David Wylde, Chief Executive Officer of the Penreach programme said, “Mathematics and Physical Science are the most challenging gateway subjects to tertiary education.

The logic of Mathematics underpins all careers in the sciences, while Physical Science provides the practical insights into how the world works opening up a huge variety of careers. For these reasons Penreach, with the assistance of corporate South Africa, has focussed on a Maths and Science programme in rural schools where the need is greatest.”

The Penreach Maths and Science Programme NSC results of 2011 indicate continued success, building on their excellent results of 2010. The highlight of the 2011 results is the fine achievement by two learners in Physical Science. Sizwe Bembe and Bheka Nkambula of Mthombo Secondary School both achieved 100%, topping the Mpumalanga provincial list in Physical Science. Bembe also achieved 93% in Mathematics while Wandile Gumede, also of Mthombo, scored 95% in Science. In addition, the number of Penreach level six and seven passes doubled from 20 in 2010 to 45 in 2011.

Pam Mudhray, Sasol’s group community manager says, “Our six year relationship with the Penreach programme has yielded much fruit. Through this programme we are equipping disadvantaged learners with the necessary tools to improve their lives and break the poverty cycle. Boosting Maths and Science education in particular is a critical aim for us at Sasol. ”

Apart from the R2.2 million grant over the past six years, Sasol also donated four science carts to participating schools and laptops to female learners who achieved the highest results in 2011.

Through support from Sasol and other key sponsors, Penreach is able to empower female youth who often do not achieve as well as their male peers. Penreach is engaging directly with community stakeholders and tailoring education solutions which talk to the current need in rural areas. “Complex problems require complex solutions and we have certainly developed a model which is up to date with the evolving youth culture,” Wylde said.

Interested parties who would like to contribute to Penreach’s work should contact Keren Gear, Penreach Trust Liaison Officer, at 013 750 1936 or 082 458 9071 or email kgear@penryn.co.za