DURBAN – THE eThekwini Municipality has proposed to host Grade 12 pupils in a Winter School Outreach Programme over the next three years in an effort to improve their performance in key subjects.
A report on the matter tabled before full council recently stated that the outreach programme would be held from 2021 to 2023.
However, the report did not provide further details regarding what plans have been made this year as the 2021 Grade 12 school calendar is almost over.
The pupils likely to benefit from the programme will be from less resourced areas.
The report said that “60 pupils per year are to be identified by ward councillors and the Department of Education’s district managers to participate in the 5-day Winter School Outreach Programme to enhance their pass rate in mathematics, science and English.“
It said the council should grant approval to the deputy city manager of Human Settlements Engineering and Transport to host the Grade 12 Winter School Outreach Programme.
“The programme will be hosted on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for a period of three years 2021 to 2023 to provide educational support to deep rural and rural pupils in partnership with the Department of Education and units within the municipality (eThekwini Municipal Academy and Engineering Unit),” it said.
Speaking on the logistics of the winter classes, it said the Supply Chain Management Unit would advertise for a suitable training venue with a laboratory, and trained and experienced facilitators in science, mathematics and English.
Buses will be procured to transport pupils attending the sessions and an ambulance will be on site to ensure adherence to occupational health and safety requirements.
Refreshments and lunch packs as well as stationery packs will be provided for pupils.
“A yearly progress report will be submitted to the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee,” it said.
THE MERCURY