These poor results prompted The ANSWER Series (TAS) to challenge this dire situation by initiating the #PassRateChallenge crowdfunding campaign.
In celebration of its 40th year of operation, TAS has created a platform where together we can raise the bar in Mathematics in South Africa.
"Grade 9 is a turning point for teenagers. By supporting learners in Maths at this early level, there is a far greater likelihood that they will make fitting subject choices, remain in school and go on to be successful in matric. This will improve their chances of qualifying for further education thus making a positive and significant contribution to the national economy," says TAS strategist George Eadie.
The #PassRateChallenge crowdfunding campaign was launched yesterday, 15 April. The aim of this nationwide campaign is to radically improve achievement in Mathematics by funding the provision of effective study guides to at least 20,000 Grade 9s.
The #PassRateChallenge campaign challenges South Africans to visit its crowdfunding page on the Thundafund site and purchase one or many Grade 9 maths study guides which will be delivered to the 20,000 learners who need it the most. TAS is making an unlimited number of these study guides available at a break-even cost of R49 each. This includes printing and delivery of books to each learner.
George explains, "By supporting our campaign, you will receive some awesome rewards such as unique artworks, t-shirts and notepads to name a few. We have also partnered with a select group of companies and people who have really wanted to get involved and do whatever they can to help support us on our mission," he continues, "GetSmarter, in partnership with the University of Cape Town has sponsored online Short Courses to the value of R10,000 each. EDRO, an innovative company that provides learning through robotics curriculums at schools, have sponsored a rewards package where the purchaser will receive one of their build-able and programmable robots. The Parlotones frontman, Kahn Morbee has sponsored three of our rewards that allow purchasers to download between one and all of his songs from his new album SALT."
The crowdfunding page and video can be accessed at https://www.thundafund.com/PassRateChallenge. The campaign will run for a month and finish on 15 May.
