North West Education has continued with efforts to assist and encourage matric learners to perform better with preparations for the 2023 final exams.

After obtaining the fifth position again for 2022 matric results, MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, made her intention clear that the department should aim for the top-three spot this year. On Saturday (30/9), Motsumi launched the ‘Last Push’ campaign at a spring camp of Onkabetse Thuto High School in the Setlagole Village.

North West Education pushes for improved performance. Photo supplied

This is where 383 learners from neighbouring schools across the Ratlou Local Municipality are placed with subject specialists and teachers, who are going to help them with gaps in their different subjects. Accompanied by the Mayor of the Ratlou Local Municipality, Motsumi called on learners to try to overcome all obstacles such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancy to pave the way to a brighter future.

“Look what is happening lately in our country generally. There is a higher rate of unemployment, there is a higher rate of pregnancy.”

North West Education MEC embraced one of the learners during the launch of the ‘Last Push’ campaign held at Onkabetse Thuto High School in the Setlagole village. Photo supplied

“If you look at statistics, the teenage population is dominating in terms of the high rate of pregnancy as well as substance abuse. So I think the only way for them to survive is through education. They are the only ones who can determine their future.”  

The countdown to the NSC exams has started.

Motsumi said her department joined hands with the school community to pledge solidarity from the local municipal level by organising parents, local businesses, and faith-based organisations to support schools by keeping children off house chores and concentrating on school work during this important time of the year.

The North West Department of Education is conducting 92 camps which are expected to end on 10 October. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi