The Western Cape and national education departments have increased the number of schools specialising in Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) in the province from 10 to 50.

Forty of the schools form part of the national Dinaledi project, while the WCED has added another 10, to bring the total to 50.

The primary aim of the Dinaledi project is to increase the number of candidates passing MST subjects in matric, especially in poor communities.

The expansion of the Dinaledi project in the Western Cape forms part of the Premier’s programme of deliverables to be achieved before Christmas 2005.

Cameron Dugmore, the MEC for Education in the Western Cape, has asked the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to ensure that the province doubles the number of matric candidates passing Mathematics on the Higher Grade, from 4 000 to 8 000 by 2008. The expanded Dinaledi programme will play a key role in achieving this objective.

Mr Dugmore launched the expanded Dinaledi programme in the Western Cape at Kensington High School on Saturday, 26 November 2005. The term "dinaledi" is a Sotho word for stars. The vision of this project is to produce tomorrow’s stars today.

The aims of the Dinaledi Project are:

• To increase the number of learners studying MST subjects in Grades 10-12.
• To increase the number learners studying these subjects on the Higher Grade - especially girls and formerly disadvantaged learners.
• To increase the pass rate and achievement in mathematics and science in these grades.
• To develop the capacity of the mathematics and physical science teachers.

Dinaledi schools are receiving the following support in the Western Cape:

• Mathematics and science equipment.
• A well-resourced computer centre, provided and supported by the WCED’s Khanya Technology in Education Project.
• Management and teacher training and support, provided by Khanya and other initiatives.
• Winter schools for Grade 12 learners in mathematics and physical science.
• Career guidance for learners, emphasising careers requiring mathematics and physical science.
• Science clubs are being encouraged at schools to inculcate a love and wonder for the sciences.
• Officials of the WCED Head Office and the district Education Management and Development Centres are supporting and monitoring the progress of the project.
• Various programmes organised in conjunction with local and international partners.

The national and provincial education departments identified 102 schools across the country in 2001 for special support.

Earlier this year, the departments agreed to expand the number of schools receiving this support to 400. Of these, 40 are in the Western Cape.

The provincial cabinet agreed to provide the same support to 10 more schools in the Western Cape, bringing the total number of MST focus schools in the province to 50.

Quoting the President, MEC Dugmore said the expanded Dinaledi programme would help to "place us on the high road towards ensuring that we become a winning nation and that we play our role towards the renewal of Africa and the creation of a better world".

Mrs Nombeko Ngubeni, right, receives a certificate from Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, confirming that Percy Mdala High School in Knysna is now a Dinaledi Maths, Science and Technology focus school.  In the background she is congratulated by, from left Jenny Rault-Smith, Director of Curriculum Development, Head of Department Ron Swartz, Raymond Smith, Dinaledi schools project manager, and Dr Sigamoney Naicker, Chief Director Education Planning.

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