Denel Youth Foundation rewards students for their remarkable achievements!
DCL D boosts North-West matric performance
The Denel Schools’ Outreach Programme (DESOP) North-West held its prize-giving and farewell event at the Rio Casino Convention Centre in Klerksdorp in January. The class of 2007 – 2009 was honoured at the event for achieving a 100% matric pass rate. Learners of the programme – hosted by the Denel Centre for Learning and Development (DCLD) along with the Department of Education – produced nine mathematics and nine science distinctions between them, with 18 of the 20 students also gaining university exemption.
Eight of the DESOP students received study bursaries from Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), which also funded the awards event. These will allow the students to gain work experience as employees of RDM upon completion of their studies.
Dr Khoza, General Manager of DCLD, explains that Denel’s collective contribution to enabling the next generation of engineers and artisans must be seen in light of the State Owned Enterprise (SOE) greater commitment to add value to South Africa, “It is critical that organisations such as Denel ensure that learners can both achieve their goals and go on to make their own individual mark in the industry. In this way, South Africa will continue to pioneer and develop world-class products and innovative technologies, and assume its rightful place on the global stage.”
DESOP was started as a national pilot project in 2004, with each province assisting ten grade 10 learners through to their matric year in 2006. The objective of the project was to improve learner performance in maths, science, English (first additional language), and life orientation – thus ensuring their holistic development. The programme has seen students who were average achievers in mathematics and science become proficient in both disciplines. DESOP currently reaches five schools in the Matlosane district including Vaal Reef technical high school, Matlosane high school, Vuyani Mawethu secondary school, Mmonkeng secondary school and Are-Fadimeheng high school.
While the DESOP programme has bolstered education efforts in the North-West, it has
additionally exposed these students to potential career opportunities in the aviation and engineering sectors. DCLD’s open days further reinforced the centre’s efforts in this regard – achieving a similar objective. Opening its doors to companies on 5 March 2010 and to the general public on 6 March 2010, DCLD showcased both its facilities and expertise; giving potential students a rare glimpse into the futures that await them should they choose to train at the centre.
