School comes with a number of scary challenges, from peer pressure and strict teachers to homework and trying to pass the year. It seems that the latter is of growing concern for the South African government and South Africa as a whole. The 2009 Matric pass rate shows that more students are finding it difficult to get through the year as there was a 2% drop in the number of Matriculants passing their final year.
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Matric-pass-rate-drops-20100107Standard Bank, Quality Education and CUTStandard Bank understands the importance of quality education and has partnered with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein to provide funding so that students can enjoy extra lessons during the winter break.
1000 students attended lessons in subjects that previously saw a steady decrease in the pass rates, these include economics, life sciences, history, mathematics, business studies, accounting and physical science. Here the students had access to learning material, counselling and advice, as well as a meal every day. In addition to the lessons, the students are encouraged to take part in the supplementary programme that offers much needed career guidance, wellness, motivational talks and a life skill programmes. This is necessary as research shows that more students are afraid and unsure when it comes to making career choices and plans for the future.
2010 was the third consecutive year that Standard Bank has been involved in this great initiative. We provide R700 000 every year to ensure that we improve the current state of education and teaching as well as give the students better knowledge to succeed in careers like commerce, construction and the engineering science. This CSI initiative also improves the skills development in these struggling industries.
We look forward to next year’s tuition classes and getting to know and understand these young minds better.
