ESKOM EXTENDS SCIENCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME
ESKOM has extended its Science Enhancement Initiative Support Programme in the Eastern Cape, following the extension of an agreement between Eskom and the Technology Research Activity Centre South Africa (TRAC SA) which aims to assist with science, mathematics and technology education in schools.
Group Capital acting group executive Kobus Steyn said they were in partnership with the Eastern Cape department of education and signed their first agreement to assist five schools in the Kouga Local Municipality with TRAC SA in March 2016.
TRAC SA is now implemented in 30 selected schools for Grade 10 to 12 pupils in the following districts – Libode, Qumbu, Cofimvaba, East London and Uitenhage.
“This is part of Eskom’s drive to invest in communities where Eskom has infrastructure. 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,” said Steyn.
He said one of the country’s challenges remained making mathematics, physical science and related fields popular among the pupils.
However, TRAC has the potential to fuel enthusiasm through exciting teaching and learning methods.
“The TRAC programme has shown remarkable results within the first year of inception. More than 2000 pupils and 30 educators from 30 schools are benefiting, and 6000 hands-on pupil exposures have been recorded.”
Eskom’s acting general manager for nuclear new build Loyiso Tyabashe said while the primary aim supported Eskom’s plans to increase intake into science and engineering for future skills needs, they believed that the impact of improving the pass rate in maths and science would benefit the Eastern Cape and the country.