In 2016, the department of education introduced the second chance programme as a solution to assist those matrics who did not meet the requirements to achieve their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the extended Senior Certificate (SC).
Through the programme, pupils can meet the requirements of the NSC or SC and obtain a grade 12 matric certificate.
The initiative’s main goals are to increase youth computer skills and create better job opportunities.
In this way, pupils can also access opportunities that will enable them to further their studies.
In April 2023, the department of basic education recorded a pass rate of 82% for the second chance programme, an impressive improvement from the previous years. This can be seen as an indication that it has successfully helped pupils achieve their matric certificates.
Pupils are offered free access to everything the programme has to offer, provided they are registered to rewrite their matric exams. The duration of the programme depends on the number of subjects they choose to rewrite. This can range from a few months to a year.
NAPTOSA provincial executive officer, Paula Botya, said the programme was committed to assisting pupils despite arising challenges.
“The programme has offered pupils support with achieving excellent results through various centres and online classes. The support now is provided at 133 centres nationally.”
The programme is free.
“They can write the subjects that they failed over three to four years until they qualify.
“There is insufficient funding to open more centres in the Eastern Cape. We have 23 centres. Attendance is one of our main problems because there is no funding for transportation to the centres,” Botya said.
Pupils are also offered counselling services to assist them with personal and academic issues.
