8 July 2003

Female learners from disadvantaged schools around the country who excel in mathematics and science will now have an opportunity to mark their mark in the field after the launch of a R9-million programme, to be rolled out over three years, aimed at equipping these learners with maths, science and technology skills.

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority CHIETA, in collaboration with the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, last week launched the Engineering and Technology Stars programme, aimed at addressing the shortage of females in this field.

About 300 female learners from grades 9 to 11 have been selected to participate in two camps during the current school holidays, where intensive workshops on computer science, mathematics, science and technology will be conducted. During the camps, the learners will also visit CHIETA stakeholder companies to expose them to career opportunities in these fields.

The next camps will be held during the September school holidays.

The Gauteng camp caters for 120 learners from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, while 180 learners from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape are in attendance in the Western Cape.

Saturday classes will also be offered during school terms for extra lessons in maths and science.

CHIETA board chairman Donald O'Connor said the authority would donate R3-million a year for three years to increase the number of black students who study science and engineering at university.

He said that of the 3 335 learners who passed higher-grade mathematics in the 2002 matriculation examinations, only about 850 learners had achieved the necessary university entry symbol or higher.

"We are aware of the problem facing the chemical industry in recruiting the desired numbers of black science and engineering graduates, and are determined to intervene," O'Connor said.

Don Haripersad of the education department said the department has made it a national priority to empower women to enter the maths and science sector, and urged learners to use the opportunity to their own and their community’s advantage.

Source: BuaNews