The Eastern Cape in South Africa is known for its automotive production facilities. Among these include the factory that builds Mercedes-Benz models. Apart from being involved in the manufacturing of cars Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has announced a R6 million contribution towards a programme at 15 selected primary and secondary schools in the Border Kei region of the Eastern Cape. This program’s will aim to improve school performance, the Matric pass rates and generally assist in improving management of schools in the region.

“Improving education in the Eastern Cape is essential as schools face challenges in resources, facilities and infrastructure. Sustainable school development cannot be achieved by a quick fix approach which is why MBSA has committed to this project for three years,” says Rainer Ruess, vice president at MBSA responsible for manufacturing and procurement. “As part of our overall social investment strategy, education remains one of our key focus areas. We strongly believe every South African has the right to receive a quality education.”

Managed by Funda Afrika, the program is known as STEP (School Transformation and Empowerment Project). At the beginning of the project baseline evaluations on pre-identified schools were conducted to establish their performance levels. The school management and senior provincial department officials then determined annual targets for these schools with each school receiving an incentive of up to R15, 000 a year to reach its targets. As part of the project, educators are offered additional literacy training as well as subject specific training in mathematics, science, and English. For Grade 12 learners study skill sessions provide basic skills in more effective learning.

Malume Mremi, Chairman of Funda Afrika, says that the project adopts a holistic approach with an intensive, integrated focus on both the management of schools and the delivery of the national curriculum. “As South African learners and schools continue to underperform despite massive improvements in infrastructure, Funda Afrika has developed an approach that delivers structured, sustainable teaching and learning in line with the Department of Education’s objectives. School principals, governing bodies and management involved in the program receive training in leadership, management, governance and administration.”

STEP not only addresses a need amongst school management, educators and learners, but also targets governing bodies made up of parents who receive skills development training and basic adult education as part of the program.