CAES Matric and Grade 11 Helpline Empowers Low Flyers in KZN’s Endumeni Region

CAES Matric and Grade 11 Helpline Empowers Low Flyers in KZN’s Endumeni Region

In a ground-breaking initiative, the CAES Matric Helpline (MH) team ventured to the outskirts of KwaZulu-Natal to provide essential support to Grade 12 learners in the eNquthu area.

For three consecutive days, the team of tutors from the College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science (CAES) brought their expertise to the Low Flyers Science Camp, hosted at the Sihayo Boarding Facility in Nquthu.

Traditionally, science camps have catered to high-performing learners in the province, leaving out those who may need additional assistance. Recognising the pressing need for inclusive support, Nurse J.N. Ntombela, the circuit manager and programme organiser, shared, ‘We acknowledged the necessity of interventions to enhance our district’s academic performance. After all, our district ranked last in 2022’s overall provincial performance. We aimed to enhance our learners’ grasp of Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.’

The involvement of UKZN in this initiative is a testament to its significance. Ntombela expressed her enthusiasm, saying, ‘Having an institution as prestigious as UKZN join us has truly elevated our project. This recognition from a prominent entity validates our region’s potential.’

She further praised the Matric Helpline team for their professionalism, noting their impactful contribution to the programme.

Acknowledging the contributions that made this initiative possible, Ntombela thanked key individuals such as Professor Naven Chetty, CAES Dean of Teaching and Learning; Dr Boby Varghese, Head of the Centre for Academic Success in Science and Engineering (CASSE); Ms Zanenhlanhla Gumbi, MH Officer, and Mr Sthabiso Mkhonza, MH Co-ordinator. She particularly highlighted the team’s knowledge and their role in inspiring learners.

This initiative is an integral part of the CAES Matric and Grade 11 Helpline Programme, which has been running successfully for three years. This programme has offered crucial assistance to countless pupils nationwide through online resources, in-person school adoption programmes, and “ask-your-question” mailboxes.

Chetty highlighted the programme’s success in aiding learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and schools, to excel in science subjects.

Words: Sthabiso Sbonelo Mkhonza

Photographs: Supplied