The Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga is hosting an event in Bloemfontein today which is aimed at giving young people a second chance to complete their matric to enable them to study towards a tertiary education.
The minister will be supported by the MEC of Education in the Free State, Dr Tate Makgoe.
“What we are trying to do here is motivate the students who have written their matric exams and have failed to obtain the qualification. We want to tell them that they still have a second chance,” Makgoe told Bloemfontein Courant.
“A number of students failed to get matric for the first time around, but later managed to become a better version of themselves. Some became doctors and engineers,” he added.
The National Senior Certificate Learner Retention Programme, also known as The Second Chance provides support to learners who want to rewrite subjects.
It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and obtain a Grade 12 certificate.
The reading abilities of the students are improved by the Read to Lead Campaign. This is to ensure that all learners are able to demonstrate age appropriate levels of reading.
“I want to tell the youth, especially in Mangaung, to never give. Life is a journey and life is difficult, but life can also be enjoyed. Do not try something once and if you fail you give up. Try again,” Makgoe said.
December Moloi, District Director of Motheo, said that the mission of the drive is to target the youth who are not in education, not employed and who do not have training.
“We call them the ‘need group’ . My message to the youth is to come and use The Second Chance opportunity we are giving to you to complete your matric. Even if they have Grade 8 only, they can join the programme,” he added.
During the roadshow, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Basic Education will be publicising information about the selected programmes which include, among others, the Read to Lead Campaign, Career Jamboree, Safety in Schools, the Quality of Learning and Teaching Campaign, as well as Services available through the DHET Khetha Centre.
– Heidre Malgas
heidre@mahareng.co.za
