Page 26 - DUT Showcase Report 2023

FEATURE PROJECT
THE MAHLABATHINI SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME (MSEP)
Mahlabathini Schools Engagement Programme (MSEP) is dedicated to improving access to quality education and enhancing curriculum delivery within the Mahlabathini
Circuit.This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Community Engagement Office, the Departments of Chemistry, Student Recruitment, and Student Counselling: Career Resource Office, as well as the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation (PMF) and the Mahlabathini Circuit Manager Cluster (CMC).
By addressing barriers faced by learners and educators especially in the sciences the program offers hands-on workshops and practical experiences that promote science education and provide career guidance for Grade 12 learners. MSEP also focuses on building the capacity of both students and teachers to improve educational outcomes.
Through collaboration with DUT, local schools, and community organizations, MSEP fosters a supportive network that benefits the entire community. The learners emphasizes monitoring and evaluation to assess its effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement in meeting educational needs. Notably, the MSEP received the DUT’s Chancellor’s Award in 2023 for its significant impact on the community.
IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Chemistry Department plays a vital role in supporting rural schools by demonstrating science experiments aligned with the Grade 12 curriculum, particularly in schools without functional laboratories.This programme has supported 50 schools within the Mahlabathini Circuit Management Cluster (CMC), reaching over 3,000 learners.Among its achievements, two schools attained a 100% matric pass rate, 70% of supported schools improved their matric pass rates, and 85% reported enhanced science results.Additionally, DUT saw the enrolment of 222 students from the Mahlabathini area as a direct result of this initiative.
This programme is important because it not only addresses the immediate educational disparities faced by rural schools but also fosters long-term sustainability and community development. By providing practical science education, MSEP empowers students and teachers alike, enhancing their capabilities and fostering a culture of learning. The initiative’s success in improving academic performance demonstrates its effectiveness in preparing learners for future educational opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall development of the community and ensuring that learners are better equipped to succeed in higher education and beyond.