North-West University project celebrates 35th anniversary

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) flagship Ikateleng project is still going strong after 35 years, empowering school children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ikateleng, which means empower yourself, provides supplementary teaching in mathematics, economics, business studies, accounting, life science, physical science and English to high school learners.

Celeste Rossouw, Ikateleng project coordinator, says 548 Grade 12 learners from approximately 65 high schools from four provinces (North-West, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State) enrolled in the Ikateleng project in 2022.

Of those learners, 75% passed with admission to bachelors’ degree studies and 19% passed with admission to diploma studies.

“That means 94% of Ikateleng candidates passed their Grade 12 exams, which is well above the national average of 80% for 2022,” she says.

A huge percentage of Ikateleng project participants end up enrolling with the NWU.

Celeste says each October Ikateleng staff visit participating schools to share information and prepare prospective learners who intend to enrol for the project the following year. They also share information on subject selection and combinations.

Tutors with proven track records in their areas of specialisation are recruited to offer supplementary teaching over 17 Saturdays. An awards ceremony is held at the various centres on the last Saturday of the project and donors are acknowledged for supporting the programme.

While 780 learners in Grades 11 and 12 have been registered to participate in this year’s Ikateleng project, Grade 10 learners will be missing out.

“Due to insufficient funds available for the 2023 financial year, the unfortunate decision was made not to include Grade 10 learners in the academic programme,” explains Celeste.

Taking setbacks in its stride, the NWU looks forward to harnessing the great potential of the current Ikateleng students and giving their dreams flight.

Here’s to another 35 years of the ground-breaking Ikateleng project!