Community | 21 February 2023
The 2019 Results released by TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) shows the dire need for quality education among our learners. Of the 39 countries that participated in the Grade 8 TIMSS 2019, South Africa continued to attain lower mathematics and science achievements.
It is evident that in Grades 8 and 9, learners are not equipped with the foundations of Mathematics and English to pass with a good marks. Furthermore, this contributes to the alarming dropout rate in Grade 9- 47% of learners drop out of school at the end of Grade 9 in South Africa.
Cell C (through our SEE YOUTH initiative) and Tomorrow Trust have partnered up to support the development of 30 Grade 9 learners in Gauteng.
The partnership will focus on academic, psychosocial, career and digital development to orphaned and vulnerable children and youth. This will be achieved by delivering support to children in school from Grade 9 up to Grade 12 - via Holiday and Saturday School Programmes.
An induction session took place on 17th February 2023 at Randview Content Business park in Randburg, Johannesburg. Both Cell C and Tomorrow Trust were present to introduce the 30 learners to the programme.
At the end of the programme, these 30 girls and boys will be well-equipped in understanding their own strengths and capabilities when choosing a career path. As an ICT enabler, Cell C is also providing the tools and critical resources to ensure future success within a 4IR environment. This includes, but not limited to,
✓ Robotics
✓ Coding
✓ Digital literacy and workshops.
In addition, we will be supporting these learners with psycho-social support (a critical factor often overlooked) – as a mechanism for youth empowerment.
"Education is considered to be the great equalizer. It creates an opportunity for youth to thrive and indeed play their part in developing South Africa. Giving children access to a holistic, integrated approach to learning can grow them as a whole person" – Brown Duduzile, Head of Gauteng: Tomorrow Trust.
Lethiwe Hlatshwayo, Executive Head: Corporate Affairs and Communications at Cell C says, "Cell C believes that in order to close the gap in youth reaching their full potential, we have to be intentional in our interventions, and this aspect of our SEE YOUTH programme, in partnership with Tomorrow Trust, is one that is exactly that; and we're very excited to see how the young people will progress and nurtured to becoming future leaders".
"I am proud to be in this programme because it's allowing me to follow my dreams and help me in the future" – 15 year old programme beneficiary.
This partnership aims to reduce the inequalities to orphaned and vulnerable children, lessen the drastic dropout rate, increase career understanding and empower these learners to become Conscious leaders of tomorrow.
Special thanks to Msaki for hosting the event and making the day extra special for the learners.
Cell C is a leading mobile provider in South Africa offering a wide range of products and services, including voice, data, device and SIM deals to more than 20 million customers.
