Bright Leap for Maths & Science Students
SAIA
Bright Leap for Maths & Science Students Thanks to the SA Institute of Auctioneers
Some 21 students from South Africa’s most maginalised communities were able to write their final exams this year confident that they were equipped for any task demanded in the question papers thanks to a substantial stationery boost from the SA Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA).
The learners are all enrolled at LEAP Science and Maths schools; the only network of independent, no-fee schools in South Africa.
The network of LEAP Science and Maths high schools started more than 10 years ago and 95% of the schools’ students have passed matric. Of those, 79% are the holders of degrees or diplomas, or are continuing with higher education.
The partnership between SAIA and LEAP was cemented by the Institute’s Directors responsible for Stakeholder Relationships, Transformation and Education.
Twenty-one of LEAP’s neediest students received full exam stationery packs from SAIA comprising scientific calculators, instrument boxes, pens, pencils, erasers and rulers.
“Many families wouldn’t consider the cost of equipping learners for exams to be great, but for thousands of parents in high-need communities there is simply no surplus when it is a daily struggle simply to put food on the table,” says SAIA Director Kwanele Boltina.
“Their children might be among the brightest minds of the next generation, but if these youngsters don’t have basic tools such as calculators, they simply can’t achieve the examination results they rightly deserve.
“SAIA believes in the LEAP education model and we’re delighted to have been able to provide these learners with the basic tools they need to producing dazzling results.”
There are currently six LEAP Science and Maths Schools across South Africa that provide free education to students from high-need communities, and have mathematics, physical science and English as mandatory subjects.
The LEAP school day is an extended nine hours, and students must attend Saturday classes as well as formal holiday programmes. Every LEAP school is partnered with a more privileged school as well as township schools in the communities they serve. This three-way collaboration creates the opportunity to share excellence in all spheres.
SAIA Director of Public Relations, Joff van Reenen, says broken down the exam stationery packs came to a total cost of just over R250 per learner – not a large sum at all in the greater scheme of things – but for many children sitting exams these packs drastically reduced their stress levels and made a significant difference between report cards boasting distinctions and those sporting average exam scores.
“SAIA supports numerous community initiatives, but LEAP’s protégés are certainly among the most deserving,” concludes Van Reenen.
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