“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do,” said Former President Nelson Mandela, who incidentally hails from the Eastern Cape which was the locale for the most recent provincial Second Chance Matric Support Programme roadshows.
During the roadshows which took place in Queenstown and Mdantsane, on 30 June and 01 July 2018 respectively, Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga, re-iterated Madiba’s words while addressing out-of-school youth who, because of previous choices or circumstances beyond their control, could not sit for their matric examinations. According to Minister Motshekga everyone deserves a second chance at improving their circumstances, hence the establishment of the Second Chance Matric Support Programme in 2016.
Addressing the youth in the packed to capacity hall in Mdantsane, Minister Motshekga said, “Having a matric certificate opens doors to more opportunities like government programmes, post matric studies, employment or skills development opportunities; and the Second Chance Support Programme offers you access to the key to open those doors. We will support you, but most of the effort must come from you; the onus on how you leverage the advantage provided by the Programme is on you.”
As part of Motshekga’s delegation to Queenstown, the MEC for Education in the Free State province, Mr Pule Makgoe, encouraged the attendees to, “never in your life give up”. He also shared best-practice with officials from the Education District Offices, as his province has been consistently in the top three position in past examination results. The education officials provided district-specific details about the programme, exam registrations and class attendance whilst also interacting with the audience during the question and answer sessions.
“You are never too old to try again! You may register for your Second Chance at any age, and as long as you’re willing, meet the set criteria, and are dedicated, we will support you,” said Minister Motshekga in her closing remarks.