2003 Media release

Many female learners lose interest in maths and science due to unfounded myths and stereotypes, amongst these being the notion that maths and science are a male domain and that girls are by nature not mathematically or scientifically inclined. As a result, girls fail or are discouraged to take the requisite courses that would open career opportunities in maths and science.

"This will now change due to the introduction of an innovate three-year programme funded by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), "says South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement spokesman, Ndashinga Chasakara.

The two-pronged focus of the programme aims to serve as an intervention in maths, science and computer science for female learners. A total of 300 female learners have been selected.

The programme focuses on learners in five provinces, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. A total of 60 learners, 20 each form Grades 9, 10 and 11 per province where selected from 30 secondary schools in previously disadvantaged communities, particularly in rural areas.

The first focus of the programme is the classes held every Saturday during school terms. The first Saturday classes started on 31 May 2003 in four provinces, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Learners were furnished with learner guides in maths and science.

The second focus of the programme is a camp during school holidays. The camp will focus on intensive maths, science and computer workshop activities. It also includes visits to the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority stakeholder companies to give the learners exposure to the science, engineering and technology fields and their career opportunities. Exposure to the tertiary level educational environment is also envisaged.

This year two camps will be held from 29 June to 10 July 2003 and the second will be in September.

One hundred and twenty learners, 60 each from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, will participate in the first camp in Gauteng, while in the Western Cape, 180 learners, 60 each from the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal will participate.

Chemicals Industries Education and Training Authority, spokesperson Kenny Diseko says the authority is proud to be associated with this programme.

"For too long have female learners been denied access to careers in the science, engineering and technology fields. This programme is an honest effort to set the record straight," Diseko said.

The Chemicals Industries Education and Training Authority is a statutory body established in terms of the Skills Development Act. It is committed to establish and maintain a system to deliver world-class education and training for the chemical industries sector.

CHIETA is one of 25 sector education and training authorities in South Africa. They are responsible for promoting economic and social development through learnerships and skills programmes.

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