Contact Details

Luna Vermeulen, Managing Director
(+27) 83 375 0909

Physical Address: Suite 4, Medical Centre,
Hill Street, Vredenburg, South Africa
Postal Address: PO Box 507, Vredenburg, 7380, South Africa

Tel: (+27) 22 715 3200
Fax: (+27) 22 715 3201
Email: capeglobal@mweb.co.za
www.capeglobal.co.za

Maths and Science Centre

For many decades the local community, to a large extent, was dependent largely on farming and the sea. This resulted in the fact that in the previously disadvantaged schools, most learners did not view mathematics and science as vital subjects at all. The opportunities to further their studies or secure good employment were extremely limited and so most students dropped out of maths and science and opted to simply get some kind of job somewhere or go to sea.

The coming of the larger industries in the 1990’s, such as Mittal Steel, Namakwa Sands/Exxaro etc, changed the face of the West Coast to a large extent. Suddenly there was a huge need for people who were successful in mathematics and science .

Diazville High School, Saldanha

It is a fact that any developing country, and that obviously includes regions of countries as well, need an ever increasing number of technical trained people. As the West Coast is a simmering pot just waiting to explode with new opportunities and many projects already in the pipeline, there should be a larger focus on school subjects such as mathematics, science and other related technical studies. Over the years, starting in 1998, there have been a number of projects active on the West Coast which all had the aim of improving the Maths and Science amongst learners of the West Coast schools. The results, although at times astoundingly good, were all hampered by one single factor : the timing was out!

Hopefield Primary

The second factor hampering these initiatives have always been the fact that the larger majority of learners in the so-called Saldanha Basin do not reside in Vredenburg, complicated logistics tremendously.

We are convinced that the love for, and skill in, subjects such as mathematics, science and other related technical subjects, have to start at a very young age. The majority of mathematics initiatives focus more on catching up and fixing cracks rather than laying a sound foundation.

It is the aim of this Centre to target the young and instill in them a love and excitement for mathematics and related subject areas. The key to success is based on the following elements : a sound reading ability, the necessary tools such as calculators, computers and text books, and energetic champion teachers who project an aura of enthusiasm and joy. Combined with that, in the words of Mr John October, is the fact that a Culture of Excellence has to be initiated. Success leads to success as have been shown over and over throughout history.

The Saldanha Bay region of the West Coast, has 6 high schools and a large number of primary schools, which brings the number of learners up to many thousands.

St. Andrews Primary, Saldanha

This Training Centre aims to visit schools during and after hours , to launch local Olympiads , to get holiday schools on the go and offer extra classes after hours, in Vredenburg, to those who show the need and willingness.

St .Helena Bay Primary School

Although the RSA democracy is 15 years old, the playing fields are far from equal. There is a vast difference between the previously disadvantaged schools and the old Model C – schools regarding resources and obviously , the socio – economic status of the learners and their parents.

Noorhoek Primary School, velddrif

If one wants to make a real tangible long term difference, one needs to address the problems while the students are still young and eager to learn.

We suggest the following :

  1. That various MOU’s are signed with schools in need to provide extra support, either during or after school hours
  2. That the local Olympiads in Maths and Science are re-launched
  3. That extra classes during holidays are put in place
  4. That schools out of town will be visited in order to provide stimulus