Abet Programme

Community engagement –

ABET Programme

Run by the Human Resources Division, this project provides adults with the opportunity to acquire their matric certificate. In Grahamstown we are the only facility which is still doing the old matric curriculum and offering matric to the community. The Centre has a reputation in the community for being well-run and well-resourced.

The programme registers about 60 learners per year who want to finish or improve their matric results. 15 of these learners are Rhodes University staff members whilst 45 are members of the community. From 2002 to date seventy two learners qualified for their matric certificates. Of the seventy two learners who qualified for matric, 45 are from the community whilst 27 are from Rhodes University. Learners range from general workers to nursing assistance as well as pastors. The majority of the community learners are from Settlers Hospital, Fort England Hospital and the SANDF. The Centre also takes young learners who failed their matric; therefore our classes are a mix of both young and old learners who respect one another.

In the past, some learners joined the programme because they wanted to be eligible to become nursing students where a matric qualification is needed. After receiving their matric certificate, these individuals went on to become student nurses in PE. Some of our learners have also gone one to register for degrees. For example, Bonani Magobiyane, a community learner, got his matric in 2008 and is now registered for his Bachelor degree at Rhodes University. Thandeka Styanda upon completing her matric registered as a student at Fort Hare University. She is doing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. After completing her matric in 2008, Lorna Meaton, working as the Facilities Officer at Rhodes University, has registered as an occasional student at Rhodes doing Computer Science 1.

The tutors employed in the programme are qualified educators, also from the community. They are committed and enjoy being able to make a difference in these adults’ lives.

Doing on average 3 subjects per year, each learner takes 2 – 3 years to complete a matric. Learners attend classes from 16h00 to 18h00, Monday to Friday except for about 5 weeks of the year. Those who have passed their matric are a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Compiled by
Nontuthuzelo Faku
27.10.09