Technokidz join PROTEC
2008-05-13
The Palabora Foundation launched a new initiative to promote maths and science learning on Saturday 10 May in Lulekani and Namakgale. The programme, known as TechnoKidz, effectively forms part of the Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC). PROTEC has been successfully assisting grade 10 to 12 learners for many years; TechnoKidz now aims to produce the same excellent results in grade 8 and 9 learners, preparing them for the PROTEC and Master Maths programmes.
Saturday’s orientation sessions were held at Leboneng Education Centre (Namakgale) and Rixile Education Centre (Lulekani) in order to prepare the selected learners for the start of the TechnoKidz programme on Monday 12 May. The learners and their parents were urged to make the most of the opportunity by attending all the classes and working to the best of their ability. All of the learners had passed a selection test in March which proved their aptitude in maths and science. The 114 lucky learners who registered for TechnoKidz will benefit from new, state-of-the-art computer rooms that have been installed at Leboneng and Rixile.
In an introductory speech, Mr C K Joseph, programme head of PROTEC Phalaborwa, pointed out the prohibitive costs of tertiary education – around R200 000 to reach graduation – and reminded the learners that they would gain access to bursaries through the programme. With engineers and other scientists earning good salaries, the TechnoKidz have a clear goal in sight. In return, the learners are expected to put in four afternoons a week during term time and four full days per week in most of their holidays. There are also optional sessions when the learners can use the Internet for research.
The Phalaborwa branch of PROTEC (incorporating TechnoKidz) is run by the Palabora Foundation with funding mainly from Palabora Mining Company, Foskor Ltd, Sasol Nitro and Lepelle Northern Water. The Limpopo Provincial Department of Education, the Phalaborwa Chamber of Business, Eskom, the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Standard Bank, the Greater Phalaborwa Principals’ Association, Professional Career Consultants, and the Parents' Association from the Leboneng Education Centre and the Rixile Education Centre also serve on the PROTEC Phalaborwa Board of Management.
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Run with assistance from the European Union