Six months ago, two organisations joined forces to support people in getting their basic education qualification by offering matric classes. Since coming together, the organisations have been of great help to communities and they are calling on more people to attend their classes to finish their matric.
Due to the initial success of the initiative, the offer will be broadened to offer classes for those who left school before passing Grade 9.
Daniela Schlichter, project manager at New World Foundation, says that just because you dropped out of school when you were young or you did not get a chance to go to school, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it now. “Give yourself a second chance and get literate and get a certificate. Learn how to read and write, understand Mathematics and gain valuable general knowledge and life skills that no-one can ever take away from you. Empower yourself with knowledge so you can get good work opportunities and be independent,” she says.
To enable community members to attend classes at a very low cost, the New World Foundation (NWF) and Capricorn Learning Centre (CLC) are working closely together on this initiative to offer matric classes in Lavender Hill (NWF, Grindal Avenue) and Capricorn (Capricorn Primary School, Vrygrond Avenue).
Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) and matric classes take place from Mondays to Thursdays from 18:00 to 21:00 at a low cost of only R150 per year.
Abet classes will be starting today (6 February). Registration is still open, also for a period after the starting date. However, it is recommended that participants start as early as possible so as not to miss out on any content.
“After finishing your Abet classes or if you have a Grade 9 certificate already, you can enrol in matric classes to get your National Senior Certificate (matric). The next matric classes will start in August. Registration is also open already. You are welcome to join the currently running matric classes now already so as to get familiarised with the content,” says Schlichter.
Schlichter encourages residents to grab this opportunity with both hands. “Knowledge that you gain is very valuable and can never be taken away from you. Give yourself a second chance and take this opportunity. If you want it, all it takes is your motivation, inner strength and willpower to get your matric. Nothing is too difficult if you put your mind to it. There are people that want to help you,” she says.V To register or for more information, come to the NWF (Mondays to Thursdays between 18:30 and 19:30), or contact Thandiswa Ntisa on 076 219 1769.