Engen held an awards ceremony at the Uitenhage Town Hall last Saturday to honour Grade 10-12 learners and name the top Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) achievers.
The Engen Maths and Science Schools have run for over 30 years, and offer underprivileged Grade 10-12 learners free supplementary Maths, Science and English tuition on Saturdays at ten locations across South Africa. These include Cape Town, Kariega, East London, Cala and Johannesburg.
Overcoming COVID related grief, lockdown induced class disruptions, and the added stress and anxiety of social unrest, 64% of the 429 EMSS learners who sat their matric final examinations attained bachelor passes, proving yet again the crucial role of the Engen supported supplementary maths and science programme.
Engen’s manager of Transform and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr James Nyawera explains that the EMSS programme focuses specifically on providing extra tuition in “gateway” subjects such as mathematics and science; subjects which are considered critical in addressing the country’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development.
“While Engen is extremely proud of all the 2021 matriculants, I must make special mention of, and commend the incredible results attained by our top three matric achievers attending the Uitenhage EMSS Centre,” says Nyawera.
Top Uitenhage achiever, Anganathi Cushe obtained 87% for Maths, 90% for Science and four distinctions overall.
An alumnus of Marymount R.C. Secondary School in Kariega, he plans to follow his dream of becoming a chemical engineer and will be attending the University of Cape Town this year.
Aviwe Zono, an alumnus of Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School in Gqeberha, who took second place attributes her 86% maths distinction to the learning support she received while enrolled on the Engen Maths and Science School programme.
Her goal for the future is to become a software engineer and work for a leading South African technology company
Apheli May, finished third overall, achieving 81% for Maths. The KwaNobuhle local and alumnus of VM Kwinana Senior Secondary School plans to further his studies in the medical field.
“Starting off 34 years ago as Engen Saturday Schools, EMSS remains central to Engen’s efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of South Africa,” continues Nyawera, adding that “the programme has worked tirelessly to help transform young underprivileged people’s lives, with a focus of creating a diverse and vibrant workforce.”
“Well done to all for showing true grit and determination! It is Engen’s ultimate reward to help set talented people up to pursue stimulating careers that won’t only benefit them personally, but also their families and the broader economy of South Africa.
“Engen is committed to building tomorrow’s leaders and if we want to ensure that the youth of tomorrow are prepared for a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure that they have the right mix of skills, for them to reach their full potential,” concludes Nyawera.
– ISSUED: ENGEN
