Anglo American Platinum is proud to have partnered with the Department of Education for the eighth year in a row to sponsor the Annual Winter School programme for Grade 12 learners.
The week-long programme targets schools surrounding the company’s North West and Limpopo operations, and this year, 1400 learners were sponsored to participate in the programme. The aim is to improve the academic performance of learners in mine communities and the programme has led to significantly improved matric pass rates.
This initiative facilitates teaching, work revision and practical lessons in essential subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, Geography, Life Sciences and Business Studies, as well as inspiring the learners to achieve more in their studies. The programme has drawn positive feedback from both learners and educators observing noticeable improvements in study methods and academic performance. To date, more than 50 schools and over 10, 000 learners in total have benefitted from the programme.
The programme provides transport, security, and food and accommodation, all under the care and supervision of a highly-skilled team of educators, caretakers and mentors to ensure the best possible learning environment. Over 95 temporary jobs have been created to deliver the programme.
Anglo American Platinum’s partnership with the Department of Education in the North West and Limpopo provinces forms part of a number of joint ventures as part of its commitment to South Africa’s transformation objectives, and in particular, demonstrating the company’s dedication to community development in mining communities.
Speaking on the success of the programme, Anglo American Platinum’s Head of Social Performance: Ted Muhajir said: “Anglo American Platinum is committed to meeting socio-economic development goals in our communities, and this project is a great example of an effective, sustainable partnership that has delivered clear results. We have seen a significant boost in attendees’ academic performance and believe this programme helps shape a positive future for every participant. We appreciate the longstanding partnership with the Department of Education and the District Managers who have been crucial to the program’s success”
Additional information on Anglo American Platinum’s education initiatives:
Anglo American Platinum believes that education is a critical pillar to bringing real empowerment and transformation of communities. The company’s approach to investing in education is focused on building local partnerships to bring improved educational opportunities to the communities in which it operates. Learners from the supported schools become beneficiaries of the Company’s Bursary scheme for tertiary studies while others go on to be admitted for artisanal training at the Company’s Engineering Skills Training Centre leading to employment at some of the Company’s operations or other industries. As part of an overarching education programme, the company invests approximately R150 million every year in learner development and teacher skills development and training programs. Anglo American Platinum adopts schools and partners with government to ensure that the education provided at every level sets a standard that will raise the benchmark for surrounding schools.
Anglo American Platinum’s initiatives also form part of a wider drive by Anglo American South Africa to contribute towards alleviating poverty and unemployment, and developing host communities by providing infrastructure for healthcare, education, housing and sanitation, investing in enterprise and skills development, promoting local procurement and supplier development, and building local capacity.