Pretoria - Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant commended the provincial class of 2010 for remaining strong throughout the challenges in the learning environment.
Sending his message of support to thousands of grade 12 learners through a live satellite transmission, Grant acknowledged learners for rising above the circumstances in true team spirit.
"I have always said from the beginning of the year that the most important team in the Western Cape is the Class of 2010 and that is the team that we should all support.
"I have witnessed firsthand how this has grown into something even bigger than I had ever imagined," Grant said, including department officials, teachers and principals in the team.
Expressing his optimism about this year's matric results, Grant said that in January the provincial education department resolved to strive constantly towards improving results.
"The department put unprecedented resources into the provision of additional assistance to learners, through a range of initiatives including the tutoring programme for schools that achieved below the provincial average, Tips for Success booklet for all Grade 12s, the school holiday programmes, roll-out of past examination papers, the telematics programme, as well as the launch of Own Your Own Future, Our Your Own Success," Grant said.
He noted that like any professional soccer team, players are constantly plagued with injuries and challenges.
This year learners have been faced with some obstacles, including the extended mid-year holiday during the World Cup and the recent public servants strike.
However, learners came together to form study groups, schools and educators rallied together to form holiday camps, officials gathered at district offices and schools to provide additional teaching support.
"The enthusiasm and the 'gees' of this team has been phenomenal. Every team member has stood up to the plate to ensure, where possible, that each team member had the necessary support they needed to get through the year.
"So the ball is now on your side of the field. It is now up to you to make that final strike in the back of the net," Grant told learners.
