The eduCate programme demonstrates a minimum average of 15% improvement in participating learners’ results
An empowered youth is the strongest foundation for a brighter, economically sound future for the country. With concerns over the shortage of skilled persons in the critical skills sectors, youth development specialist Primestars, together with public and private stakeholders has for the past 13 years supported Grade 12 learners from under-resourced public schools across South Africa, providing maths and science revision in preparation for their final matric examinations.
For the past 13 years, the Primestars eduCate programme has been using cinemas as a teaching venue, offering edutaining through “theatres of learning” for South African learners.
The cinema screenings are made up of 10 pre-recorded revision sessions, five in math and five in science. These sessions cover the entire matric curriculum and offer effective practical preparation for participants’ final matric maths and science examinations. The programme also includes dedicated maths and science textbooks, access to a teacher network, an extended rural footprint (physically teaching in remote areas) and free WhatsApp support, with digital content and online lessons via www.primestarsdigital.co.za — ensuring that learners from all communities are still able to benefit.
As part of the #BackingTheClassOf2023 implementation, over 60 000 learner and teacher attendances were recorded across all platforms across all nine provinces.
Last week, government released the results of the National Senior Certificate examinations, which showed a marked improvement in the maths and science marks. The report showed science marks increased to 76.2% in 2023 while mathematics marks increased significantly to 63.5%. Critically, the annual Impact Report’s evaluating the academic impact of the eduCate programme demonstrates a minimum average of 15% improvement in participating learners’ results.
For Katlehong Engineering School of Specialization learner Nompumelelo Amukelwe Hlongwane, the programme gave her critical skills that allowed her to successfully tackle her final matric exams. She intends to study BscEng in Chemical engineering at UCT.
“The programme’s video lessons provided me with a dynamic and engaging way to absorb complex concepts. Rather than being confined to traditional classroom settings, I could access high-quality tutorials at my own pace, rewinding and revisiting key points until I grasped them fully. The availability of supplementary materials, such as quizzes and practice exams, further solidified my grasp on my studies,” said Hlongwane.
eduCate’s successful implementation is credited to, among others, our funders, sponsors, implementation partners, schools, teachers, learners and parents. Primestars is honoured to have sponsors on board that share the same passion for the programme and the potential it holds in offering young South Africans an opportunity to create a better future. Together we have made this powerful education and nation building initiative a reality. We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, including Standard Bank, Liberty, Protea Chemicals, Omnia, BME, Bidvest International, Bidvest South Africa, The Public Investment Corporation, The Umlambo Foundation, Sasria, Cell C, AECI, Richfield, WDBIH, PIC, Spar, Zutari, Rohlig-Grindrod, Sizwe IT Africa, Attacq Foundation, PWC, Casio, The HCI Foundation, Sci-Bono, The Department of Basic Education, The Gauteng Provincial Government, The Western Cape Government, Airlink and BCW Africa.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2023, you have made us proud. Our focus now shifts to securing more partners and funders to support eduCate this year to ensure more learners, teachers and schools in need can benefit from the programme. While Primestars and YouthStart Foundation may be the catalysts for this programme, we cannot do it alone. We invite more stakeholders to join us in #AchievingMoreWithTheClassOf24,” concludes Primestars Chief Operating Officer, Nkosinathi Moshoana.
To join the movement and enable more learners in need, contact Primestars on 011 430 4740.
As testament to another phenomenal year of hard work and dedication, these are a few of our Top Achievers for 2023
Lilitha Shaun Dyantyi, born in Cape Town and grew up in Philippi. Matriculated from Thandokhulu High School with four distinctions, including a pass mark of 89% for physical science and 94% for mathematics. Dyantyi and his younger brother were raised by their mother Zanele, who is a single mom. He has been accepted to the University of Cape Town and intends to major in computer science in the hopes of one day becoming a software developer. He also hopes to give back to his community and school by offering tutoring classes in mathematics and physical sciences.
Nompumelelo Amukelwe Hlongwane, Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation in Gauteng, achieved a bachelor’s degree pass with four distinctions, including a 100% mark in physical sciences and a 96% mark in mathematics. She plans to study chemical engineering at UCT.
Nompumelelo says: “The eduCate lessons helped me understand difficult concepts and not only boosted my grades but also instilled in me a disciplined and effective approach to learning.”
Kelly Ngulube from St Francis College, Marianhill, KZN, mathematics 80%, physical sciences 83%. Ngulube says one of her main goals for the future is to break the boundaries by entering into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field, which is a male-dominated sector. “I can’t wait to develop my critical thinking and apply my capability to innovate new technologies,” said Ngulube.