MATRIC pupils in the Port Elizabeth area who have failed maths or science, or who want to improve their marks in those subjects to boost their career prospects have been invited to apply for this year’s Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP).
But there’s only a little time left to take advantage of the opportunity as applications close on 1 March 2021.
The MSP, Corporate Social Investment initiative by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), aims to reduce the gap between the supply and demand of critical and scarce skills in the fields of science, engineering and technology and focuses on children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Coega Foundation Head Mzoxolo Dube said the MSP had for years helped increase the “numbers of learners being accepted in institutions of higher learning for science related courses due to improved marks obtained at the programme”.
One of the requirements for learners is having completed grade 12 and passing all other subjects except for maths and science.
CDC Physical Science Facilitator Eldon September said applicants needed to bring their statement of results as well as a copy of their South African identity document. “The programme classes will start in the month of March until November, daily from Monday to Friday 08h00 to 16h00, in compliance with COVID-19 regulations,” he said.
All applications may be submitted at the front gate, Coega Human Capital Solutions (HCS), Zone 4 in the Coega SEZ, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Alternatively, they can be emailed to eldon.september@coega.co.za. Telephone queries should be directed to (041) 404 3407.
“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of participants will be limited to 100 learners, preference will be given to residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay,” September said.
Success stories
Over the years, the programme recorded impressive results, affording many young people with an opportunity to upgrade their matric results and enrol for their field of choice. Yothando Sikhuza (20) and Sinovuyo Kostauli (21) two of the students to benefit.
Sikhuza said, “Taking part in the MSP was the best decision I have ever made after being rejected for medicine in all tertiary institutions I applied for after matric. I have developed holistically because of this opportunity”.
She said she now has a “deep understanding of maths and science” which are major requirements for her dream, medicine, for which she is now studying at the University of Free State.
Fellow MSP graduate, Kostauli is now pursuing a career in the aviation industry. “I fell in love with planes through my exposure watching movies. I told myself, I must one day, do everything in my power to become a pilot.”
And the programme did more than upgrade her matric results. “It played a role of developing me into being a mature and responsible young lady. The Coega Maths and Science programme is a place where you discover your true potential.
