Sasol funded teacher project reaches 14 000 rural learners

Date

7 September, 2006

Umzumbe, Kwazulu-Natal - Since January 2005, more than 14 000 Umzumbe District learners have enjoyed better science and math education. This is a result of the Centre for Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME) teacher development programme funded by Sasol with more than R426 000.

“Skilled mathematics and science teachers are the catalysts for change in rural schools,” says Tsepiso Khalema, director at CASME. “The grade 12 pass rates in mathematics and science remain low, especially in disadvantaged and rural schools. The problem is partly due to a lack of resources, but is severely compounded by under-qualified educators.”

CASME's partnership with Sasol has resulted in the establishment of the Sasol Teacher Development Training Project in January 2005. The project operates from the Phungashe Education Centre in Umzumbe District, KwaZulu-Natal. Its main aims are to provide science and mathematics teachers with weekend and school holiday workshops to equip them with the knowledge to teach the curriculum and provide them with the teaching and assessment skills required by the changes in the curriculum.

“A basic requirement for any project supported by Sasol Corporate Social Investment is that it should make a meaningful and sustainable impact in under-resourced communities,” says Pamilla Mudhray, corporate social investment manager at Sasol Limited. “Since the start of the project, more than 57 science and mathematics educators were reached. Feedback shows that one teacher impacts on at least 250 learners, which clearly shows the potential for the project to make a significant impact in the community.”

In addition to the training programme, funding provided by Sasol also allows for a school visit component. Currently, ten schools in the district form part of the visit programme which provides additional and in-class support to participating teachers.

“Educator needs evolve continuously. To ensure that the programme remains relevant educator needs are accessed in an ongoing process during school visits and workshops. The biggest common needs among participating educators lie in lack of content knowledge in mathematics and science, contextualising mathematics and doing practical work in science,” says Khalema.

In conjunction with the training programme, educators have access to the resource centre at Phungashe and various teaching resources. Science kits and videotapes are loaned to schools that are affiliated to the centre. Many schools in the district do not have science laboratories. This places additional pressure on educators and learners, especially as curriculum changes require greater emphasis on practical work and the examination thereof. At present, 13 schools are affiliated to the centre.

“Key to the success of the programme is to evolve educators' attitudes towards their own professional development. Once they see the value in enhancing their own skills, we notice an increase in their teaching competence and confidence which in turn ignites learner interest and performance in the subjects,” concludes Khalema.

The Department of Education supports the programme and is involved in planning and running workshops through district managers and subject advisers. CASME is a recognised and credible learning institution, situated within the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

ends

Total Stores	Division	Store Location	Address	Tel No
1	Relabelled	Salt River	29 Brickfield Road, Salt River, Cape Town	(021)4479913
2	Relabelled	Bellville	Shop 4, Corner Voortrekker Rd & Durban RD, Bellville	(021)9171860
3	Relabelled	Kenilworth	Unit number 3 access park, Chichester road, Kenilworth	(021)6714778,
4	Relabelled	Kuilsrivier	Shop 4 & 5 Access Park, Kuilsrivier	(021)9031294 061 287 3980
5	Relabelled	Mobeni	Cnr Grimsby & Leicester Rd, Mobeni, Durban	(031)4620540 W\House (031) 469 9409
6	Relabelled	Pier 14	21A Pier 14, Shopping Centre, Port Elizabeth	(041)4841575 083 5176 728
7	Relabelled	Marlboro	13 Sparten Crescent ,Marlboro , Ext 3 Johannesburg	(011) 262 0460
8	Relabelled	Soweto	Maponya Shop 200 2127 Chris hani Road, klipspruit ext5 Soweto	(011) 933 1023
9	Relabelled	Umlazi	Shop 155 Umlazi Mega City 50 Griffiths Mxenge Highway Umlazi	(031) 902 1325
10	Relabelled	Epping	10 Losack avenue , epping industrial	(021) 534 0401
1	BCWC	Kloof	Lifes on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street, Gardens ,Cape Town, shop G-15	(021) 422 1593 078 211 8051
2	BCWC	Canal Walk	Shop 619 Canal Walk , Century BLVD, Century City , Cape Town 7441	(021) 551 2891
3	BCWC	Monte Casino	Shop 80B Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 0438
4	BCWC	Menlyn	Shop UF 42 & 43 cnr atterbury road & lois avenue , menlo park , Pretoria	(012) 764 9600
5	BCWC	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	032 586 0242
6	BCWC	Rosebank	Shop GF08, The Zone, Rosebank mall, Oxford Street, Johannesburg	(011)268 1114
1	Magents	Canal Walk	Shop 08 , Century Blvd , Century City 7441	(021) 551 2533 JP CELL: 064 686 4026
2	Magents	Monte Casino	Shop 21 Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 6721 074 669 6310 073 804 4352 079 884 7607
3	Magents	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL , SHOP G190 CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	(012) 348 4725 073 8677 468 - Sieya , kiley , OUPA, Micheal
4	Magents	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	061 521 7446 032 586 1467
1	WSA	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL ,LF41A CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	Vicky - 078 816 1921 land line - 012 348 4766
6	BCWC	Rosebank	Shop GF08, The Zone, Rosebank mall, Oxford Street, Johannesburg	(011)268 1114
1	Magents	Canal Walk	Shop 08 , Century Blvd , Century City 7441	(021) 551 2533 JP CELL: 064 686 4026
2	Magents	Monte Casino	Shop 21 Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 6721 074 669 6310 073 804 4352 079 884 7607
3	Magents	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL , SHOP G190 CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	(012) 348 4725 073 8677 468 - Sieya , kiley , OUPA, Micheal
4	Magents	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	061 521 7446 032 586 1467
1	WSA	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL ,LF41A CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	Vicky - 078 816 1921 land line - 012 348 4766

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Sasol funded teacher project reaches 14 000 rural learners

Sasol funded teacher project reaches 14 000 rural learners