Engen maths and science initiative helps 413 pupils
Former Lumko High School pupil Linah Sweyi emerged on top at the Engen Maths and Science School Programme awards ceremony held in East London last Saturday.
Close behind her were Siphesile Matomela and Anako Njikenjike, who came in second and third place respectively. The awards celebrated the 413 matrics who participated in the programme, with a 96% pass rate overall.
Sweyi said she was excited about her award and the future.
“I started the programme in grade 10 based on my grade 9 marks. The teachers are nice and attentive,” she said.
Sweyi said she planned to study medicine at Walter Sisulu University (WSU).
The EMSS programme, started more than 30 years ago as the Engen Saturday Schools, provides extra maths, science and English tuition to underprivileged pupils in grades 10 to 12.
Classes are offered in East London, Port Elizabeth and Cala in the Eastern Cape, as well as in six other locations in SA.
Engen’s transformation and stakeholder engagement head, Unathi Magida, said subjects such as maths and science were considered critical in addressing the country’s skills shortage.
“EMSS seeks to better the future of talented young people in difficult circumstances and to contribute to the pool of scarce skills in the country,” Magida said.
