ESKOM recently signed an agreement with Technology Research Activity Centre South Africa (TRAC SA) to extend the coverage of the Eskom Science Enhancement Initiative support programme, which aims to assist with science, mathematics and technology education in Eastern Cape Schools.
In partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Eskom signed the first agreement with TRAC SA in March 2016, with five schools in the Kouga Local Municipality.
TRAC 2 is now being implemented in an additional 25 selected schools (for Grade 10 – 12) in the following districts: Libode, Qumbu, Cofimvaba, East London and Uitenhage, bringing the total number to 30 schools.
According to the state-owned power utility, this is part of its drive to invest in communities where it has infrastructure.
Acting Group Executive for Group Capital, Kobus Steyn said: “Our partnership with TRAC demonstrates a shared social responsibility that is also in line with supporting government’s initiative of skills development and improving access to quality education for all – consistent with the long-term goal of poverty eradication.
“One of the country’s many challenges remains making mathematics, physical science and related fields exciting and popular among learners. However, TRAC has the potential to fuel enthusiasm in our children through using exciting and engagement methods in teaching and learning.”
Within the first year of its inception, more than 2 000 pupils and 30 teachers from 30 schools are benefitting from the programme and 6 000 hands-on learner exposures have been recorded.
Eskom’s Acting General Manager for nuclear new build, Loyiso Tyabashe said: “While the primary aim supports Eskom’s plans to increase intake into science and engineering for future skills needs, we believe that the impact of improving the pass rate in maths and science will benefit the Eastern Cape and the country as a whole.
“We are confident that the extension of the programme to the wider Eastern Cape Province will open up doors for learners to pursue various careers thus instilling a sense of hope for a brighter future.”