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DUT to rescue learners refused admission to school

DUT to rescue learners refused admission to school

Attention: News editors/education reporters

DUT to rescue learners refused admission to school

The Durban Super Teachers’ Project, a community based project, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has pledged to assist two children who were refused admission to a school because they cannot afford to pay 2007 outstanding fees and 2008 registration fees.

This project falls under the auspices of the Division of Corporate Affairs and the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Touched by the situation that poor learners face Mr Bheka Mchunu, the leader of the Durban Super Teachers’ Project, has expressed willingness to track and help them pay school fees, buy books and uniform and assist the family with groceries.

“Coming from a poor background I believe these children have to be afforded their right to education,” says Mchunu. He is a graduate of DUT’s Language Practice Department and a former President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) between 2002 and 2005.

Established in 2007, Durban Super Teachers’ Project helps matriculants who failed to meet admission requirements at DUT. It assists them to upgrade their matric results so they could move on and enroll for further studies of their choice.

This year 410 learners registered for the project. In 2007 450 learners were initially registered and this number dropped to 350 after some of the learners were later admitted at DUT. Others are believed to have pursued other interests. Matric learners who are registered with the Department of Education’s examination centres there are not given tuition can attend extra lessons from 15h00 to 17h00 Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays classes run between 8h30 and 14h20.

Concerned with the number of learners who are declined because of their poor matric results he started the project. “In view of the old matric curriculum being phased out many learners have nowhere to go as public schools cannot accept them to improve their results,” explains Mchunu. He believes this project is providing a platform for learners to qualify for admission at the institution. He says he organized good teachers from the communities to teach on a part-time basis. Study material is also provided for learners. The project has more than fifteen teachers.

For more information contact Bheka Mchunu on 083 423 0095/0836232407/0733311333.

Bhekani Dlamini
Media Officer
Division of Corporate Affairs
Durban University of Technology
031 373 2845