The “Future You’ campaign encourages grade 12 learners to send a video thanking their younger selves for choosing to complete their studies. Western Cape MEC of Education, Debbie Schäfer, explained how learners were able to do this.
“Using the AE Face Tool, we filmed three Grade 12 learners from Parel Vallei High School and transformed their faces into older-looking versions of themselves…This allowed their future selves to thank their younger selves for choosing to finish their matric year,”
The education department also designed a website where Grade 12 learners can pledge to #CommitToFinish the school year. Learners are also able to access learning resources on the website.
The campaign has already been launched on social media platforms and on billboards. Candidates have also received direct SMSes and emails have been sent to schools.
“The learner will receive a notification of their commitment and will encourage them to get their fellow learners to do the same.”
Learners will also receive an examination support booklet, that will give them advice on the examination, bursary options and support networks.
The support booklet will also provide them with old exam papers that they can use as a guide when they are revising school content.
According to Schäfer, some learners become discouraged after their trial exams and decide to drop out as a result.
“This year has certainly been a tumultuous year for our Grade 12 learners and their teachers. Despite the disruptive school year, they have shown true grit and determination. They have shown how resilient they are and I am extremely proud of them,” Schäfer said.
She said the fact that learners continued learning even during lockdown level 5 was an encouraging sign. Many teachers, learners and subject advisors were using social media platforms to communicate about school work.
“Learners took the initiative and began self-learning at home, and the use of alternative resources for learning and revision, through our e-portal and website, increased significantly,” she said.
Schäfer has encouraged grade 12 learnrs to not doubt themselves or think of dropping out. She said the department was backing all learners ahead of the final exams.
“These learners have worked so hard for the past 12 years to reach this point and we want to support them to finish their matric year.”
Grade 12s from the Western Cape can visit www.CommitToFinish.co.za to pledge their commitment to finish the academic year.