Among the 397 matric learners who have come through the 2014 Engen Maths & Science Schools (EMSS) support programme, many have faced socio- economic challenges and yet despite these difficulties they have delivered star performances enabled by the extra tuition, provided by Engen.

This was evident at a graduation ceremony held at Zakkariyya Park Combined School in Gauteng this weekend where graduates of the Gauteng Engen Maths and Science Schools were awarded with certificates and applauded for delivering the programme’s best ever performance!

“In the close to 30 year-history of the EMSS programme, no other group has achieved an average pass rate of 99%.  This in comparison to the national average of 75.8% is spectacular, “said Mntu Nduvane Engen, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

“But we can only really understand the significance of this when we look back and see the general upward trend in EMSS passes over time,” said Nduvane.  “This tells us that the young people we honour today are not just blessed with potential and a sought-after set of skills: they have taken on an intense and inconvenient extra tuition programme, and their lives are forever changed as their reward. They know success comes to those who want it and work for it. It is this philosophy that has made EMSS intakes over the years so successful.”

Another important statistic is that of the 99% of learners who passed, 70% of these students achieved a bachelor pass. The national average for a bachelor pass was 41%.

Special mention went to:

• The top student for the year in the Gauteng region, Stanley Nala Ngcobo from Azara Secondary School.  Stanley achieved over 90% for both mathematics and physical science.
• Second in the region was Tshepiso Meso from Leshata Secondary School who achieved a distinction in Physical Science.
• Third in the region was Thabo Tshabalala from Lenasia South Secondary School who achieved distinctions in both mathematics and physical science.

“At Engen we believe our efforts in addressing today’s critical skills shortages is bearing fruit. But the real winners are the many learners who get to pursue their dreams, many of whom have had to face great socio- economic challenges during their academic year.  We are proud of all our graduates and wish them the best in their upcoming studies and careers,” added Nduvane.

For more information please contact Gavin Smith, Engen Group Communication Manager,
Gavin.Smith@engenoil.com   Tel: +27 21 403 4312   Cell: +27 82 379 1700