Dr James Xolani Nyawera was the beneficiary of support from Engen 22 years ago, and today, he helps hopeful learners gain access to supplemental support through the Engen Maths and Science Programme.
Umluzi, South Africa (27 September 2022) – Learners who hope to join careers with heavy influences in maths and science, are benefitting from the support being given by Engen. They are finding that while their schools may be under-resourced and living conditions challenging, they are thriving within their favourite subjects.
Dr James Xolani Nyawera is the Head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement at Engen. He is passionate about the Engen Maths and Science programme and the special attention it provides to learners in under-resourced communities to give them a leg-up towards their future. He was the recipient of support from Engen 22 years ago in the form of a scholarship; he took the opportunity with both hands, and it changed his entire life. Now he works towards doing the same for the youth of South Africa.
Youth from Umluzi in KwaZulu-Natal shared how their lives are changing thanks to being enrolled in the Engen Maths and Science programme.
Mbuso Cele is working his way towards graduating with 8 distinctions this year; he proudly shares that he is also the head boy at his school. Sadly, he lost both his parents, but he lives with his aunt, who supports his dreams. His favourite subjects are maths and physical science, which he thrives in thanks to the supplemental support being offered in his area.
The Engen Maths and Science Programme operates in locations around South Africa and has been providing free supplementary Maths, Science and English tuition to underprivileged learners for over 30 years.
The programme trains and empowers locally-based educators to provide extended learning support within these communities. Many of the teachers who take up this challenge are passionate about making a difference and committed to the academic performance of top students. All of these teachers also work towards empowering learners who might have ordinarily been left behind.
Creating the conditions for youth to flourish means not only providing the learning that will facilitate a university placement, but often also, providing the ongoing support of bursaries and internships to close this loop.
These hopeful learners have so much to give back to society, so being seen for their potential, inspires them to reach for their dreams.