Two standout Eastern Cape learners who attended an Engen Maths and Science School in their area, aced their matric examinations and are now all set to pursue their tertiary studies in medicine and engineering at the University of Cape Town. Athini Mqolora achieved an impressive overall average of 88% in matric in 2016, with distinctions in Maths, Science and English.
Athini, who attended Wongalethu High School in Mdantsane, lost her mother to cancer in 2007 and was raised by her aunt. She has enrolled to study Medicine this year at UCT, with a view to specialising in Oncology. “EMSS exposed us to so much more and our tutors really believed in us,” she says. “I had to work really hard to achieve my results, but this is just the beginning,” she adds. “I never dreamed that one day I would get to own my own surgery and tackle cancer, but thanks to Engen, I have the confidence and opportunity to go on and make this dream a reality.”
Port Elizabeth resident Olwethu Bitterhout, who is the son of a municipal worker, achieved an overall aggregate of 85% for his matric, with distinctions in Maths, Science and English.
Born and raised in Uitenhage where he attended Solomon Mhlangu High School, Olwethu caught the bus to Nelson Mandela University to attend the local EMSS, which - he says - has given him the skills to tackle problems.
“I couldn’t have got the distinctions I did without the help and encouragement of the super-professional teachers, and two hours studying every day,” Olwethu maintains.
Olwethu will be enrolling in mechanical engineering at UCT with a view to changing his world. “I would love to invent a process or approach to solve water management challenges. Engen has put a lot of faith in me and I won’t let them or myself down.”
Mntu Nduvane, Engen’s manager of Corporate Social Investment says the company is extremely proud of all the learners who participate in the EMSS programme. “Now go and make a success of your careers and make a difference,” urges Nduvane.
By continuing to grow the minds and talents of the future, the Engen Math and Science Schools (EMSS) initiative is changing our world, helping people to explore new horizons and gain new experiences: proof once again that as a company, Engen is with you on your journey.
EMSS is a national initiative that addresses key skills shortages in the engineering and technical fields by providing after hours Math and Science education to learners who show an advanced aptitude in the subjects. EMSS exposes learners from grades 10 to 12 to high-quality teachers, tuition and educational materials. Currently, Engen supports nine Maths and Science schools across South Africa. Among many of those who will go on to study for careers of their choice, the top achievers met with Engen’s Corporate Social Investment heads at Engen’s headquarters in Cape Town, to celebrate their outstanding achievements.