Educational partnerships committed to developing South Africa’s future "STEM Careers" (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

To compete in the technologically advanced playing fields of the global economy, South Africa needs to cultivate excellence in engineering and technology. But engineers are in short supply with electrical, civil and mechanical engineers topping the National Scarce Skills list. More worrying is that statistics suggest that every year fewer and fewer learners are opting to study maths and science, subjects critical to a tertiary education in engineering.

In a bid to challenge the statistics, PROTEC, an independent non-profit educational service provider, have made it their mission to support the growth of a technologically skilled human resource pool in South Africa. Specialising in mathematics and science support, PROTEC partner with corporate South Africa to facilitate programmes in various school districts.

This year Sanlam and PROTEC have once again joined forces in a educational partnership that will see a hub of excellence established in the Ehlanzeni district in Nelspruit. This new project will provide supplementary education for selected learners in Grade 10 who will progress through to Grade 12 in 2017. Learners from six feeder schools will attend Saturday classes in mathematics, science and English, as well as a ten day vacation school and five day vacation camp and World of Work (WOW) programme.

The programme runs for three years, with support continued into university and the first years of employment. A maximum of 50 learners are selected though selection tests. During the three years maths and science teachers from each of the six schools will also receive supplementary training, to the overall benefit of each school.

Founded in Soweto in 1982, PROTEC has made it its mission to increase the number of school leavers looking to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering by providing programmes, services and materials to both educators and learners. The early success of the organisation ensured its expansion into branches in KZN, Nelspruit and the Eastern Cape. PROTEC, in partnerships with various corporates, including Sanlam, run a number of projects in various school districts in South Africa.

A conduit between the sponsor and schools, and a partner with the Department of Education (DOE), PROTEC has become a leader in establishing working, relevant science and mathematics programmes. Every year PROTEC has shown a marked increase in their learners’ results and boasts a number of success stories.

“Our results are a testament to the PROTEC programme having operated effectively and I forsee this project with Sanlam benefitting the Nelspruit area and developing a wealth of young talent,” said Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC.

On the 25 April 2015, PROTEC and Sanlam will celebrate the launch of their excellence programme in Nelspruit.

Address of the launch:

Lekazi Secondary School

2434/5 Stand Street, Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga.

GPS Cordinates: 2547949; 3117361

Tel: 013 794 0207

Principal; Mr Sibiya 084 208 2042

Deputy Principal; Mr Mashigo 083 764 1210 (also Sanlam Project Coordinator)

For media accreditation, interview requests and access to high res photos please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 and speak to Dee’s

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of PROTEC – www.protec.org.za