Calculated: Lulu Letlape
Sanlam, earlier this month, launched a drive to buy 940 calculators to promote maths and science education in under-resourced high schools in celebration of Nelson Mandela's birthday.
The schools, which were identified by the department of education and the Programme for Technological Careers (Protec), are beneficiaries of the Sanlam Brilliance Programme, a three-year partnership between the Sanlam Foundation and Protec. The programme aims to bolster the teaching and learning of maths and science to improve the results of high school pupils in grades 10 to 12.
In Tzaneen, in Limpopo, the Sevengwana Gwambeni, Xibukulana, Lwandlwamuni and Mbekwani secondary schools will receive calculators.
In Mogwase, in the North West Province, the Raphurile, Manamakgotha, Kgamanyane, Tshaile and Kgabutle high schools will benefit. The handover of calculators will take place at the end of the year before school closes.
"It's a humble start, but with everyone's help, it can grow into something big," says Lulu Letlape, executive head of corporate affairs at Sanlam.
Sanlam Foundation has partnered with Protec, a national independent non-profit educational service provider in South Africa that specialises in science, maths and technology education.
Pupils attend extra maths and science lessons on Saturdays and during school holidays to improve their pass rates and to ensure their entry into tertiary institutions.
The campaign will continue until August 19 and the public can join in by donating, with electronic funds transfer or credit card, R85 a calculator. Visit sanlam.co.za/mandeladay for details.