PROTEC
Learning and Development in Johannesburg

The standard of Mathematics and Science teaching in many South African schools is bad to non-existent. Vacation school typically includes field trips, educational excursions and participation in practical projects or external events such as the Science Expo, Technology Olympiad or the international F1 School Project. PROTEC aims to challenge, inspire, encourage and support their learners on their journey. Hard work and full commitment is expected from these learners. Failure to pass assessments or not achieving the minimum attendance requirement of 90% results in dismissal and the position is passed on to someone else who will make better use of the opportunity. PROTEC aims to uplift the general standard of education in STEM subjects at under resourced, rural schools by making their materials and resources available to these schools and their teachers. PROTEC publishes science, engineering and technology modules to improve educational progress and career awareness of various industries. These are produced on the basis of quality content but on low quality paper and cost about 15% of the price of normal textbooks. PROTEC has produced its first multi-media digital materials for Science and Mathematics. PROTEC continues to mentor their learners after matric, through their tertiary education and into their first years in the working world to ensure that they are successfully placed. As a result of their superior performance in matric, on average over 20% of PROTEC learners receive bursaries for their tertiary studies. Many of these opportunities arise from our corporate donors. Assistance with mandatory in-service training placements for diploma courses. Workshops in CV writing, interview skills, time management and budgeting. The early success of the project soon led to its expansion into a nationally respected STEM education programme. The Joint Education Trust assessed and approved PROTEC curriculum material. The initial phase of the National Materials Development Project was completed. International evaluations were conducted on PROTEC by the University of Missouri; Edith Cowan University in Perth; and Goldsmiths College at the University of London. These verified the success achieved by PROTEC in improving both the technological literacy and attitude towards careers in Science and Technology of the participating students. PROTEC is a member of the National Science and Technology Forum and serves on its education unit. PROTEC is accredited by the Education, Development and Training Practitioner SETA A new girls-only science and technology programme (GET SET!) Over two thirds of these students chose to further their careers in science, engineering or technology at tertiary institutions and are today making a positive impact on our economy. 2012 also sees the launch of the PROTEC Alumni Programme to enhance and support the current PROTEC model. A new marketing and fundraising strategy has been implemented that augurs well for the future growth and sustainability of PROTEC.