Science enhancement initiative expands to EC

18th May 2018

State-owned power utility Eskom has signed an agreement with the Technology Research Activity Centre South Africa (TRAC SA) to increase the coverage of the Eskom Science Enhancement Initiative support programme, TRAC 2.

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 municipality. TRAC 2 is implemented in an additional 25 selected schools, for grade 10 to 12 learners. These schools are from Libode, Qumbu, Cofimvaba, East London and Uitenhage. This will bring the total number of schools to 30.

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 initiatives of skills development and improving access to quality education for all. This is consistent with the long-term goal of poverty eradication,” says acting group executive for group capital Kobus Steyn.

Challenges

He adds that 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 the learners through using exciting and engaging methods in teaching and learning.

Within the first year of its inception, the TRAC programme showed impressive results as over 2 000 learners and 30 educators from the 30 schools are benefiting, and nearly 6 000 hands-on ‘learner exposures’ have been recorded.

“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,” says Eskom acting GM for nuclear new build Loyiso Tyabashe.

He concludes by mentioning that Eskom is confident that the extension of the programme to the Eastern Cape will open doors for learners to pursue various careers, thus instilling a sense of hope for a brighter future.