Friday, 03 February 2012

Unlocking academic treasures in rural heartlands

Grantleigh College Principal Shaun McMurtry addresses pupils of the Bambisanani project at the beginning of the year

Pupils in the rural heart of northern KZN are being handpicked, nurtured and empowered to break the shackles of poverty plaguing their communities. Using education as the key to unlock dormant treasures, geologists, accountants as well as mechanical and electrical engineers are rising from the informal settlements of Mbonambi, Sokhulu, Dube and Mkhwanazi. A public-private partnership spearheaded by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), Grantleigh College and the KZN Department of Education, has seen the ‘Bambisanani’ project groom pupils into successful mining professionals.

Since 2007, pupils have been selected from 16 schools by Principals, HODs and teachers based on the pupils’ performance in Maths and Science. Pupils undergo an assessment by RBM before enrolment. Grantleigh facilitator, Louisa van der Walt said pupils attended 35 sessions per year in English, Maths, Science and Life Orientation.

At the helm of the project is RBM Community Development Specialist: Education, Hlengiwe Mtetwa, who believes the company’s commitment coupled with the passion of teachers and dedication of pupils is a winning recipe. ‘Pupils are exposed to resources that their schools do not have,’ said Mtetwa. ‘This year we doubled the programme to 360 pupils. ‘In 2011, we obtained a 98% pass rate and of the 56 pupils who wrote the exams, 55 passed, 39 obtained exemptions and five had distinctions in Maths. ‘RBM also offers full bursaries to pupils and practical experience is afforded with possible employment,’ added Mtetwa.

Initially focusing on pupils, gaps were identified within the teacher component and school management which spurred additional facets to the programme. Principals were also assisted in 2011 through the Advanced Certificate for Educators. Principal of Manqamu High School in Mbonambi area, BI Dlamini said the Bambisanani project produced great improvement in pupil performance with one pupil obtaining 6 distinctions in 2010. ‘The principal programme has been a great eye-opener on how to exercise leadership skills. ‘It has not only improved teaching and learning but also enabled us to guide teachers, delegate duties efficiently and include all stakeholders. ‘Teamwork is of greatest importance to manage our schools well,’ added Dlamini.