Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo welcomed about 150 learners to the Mathematics and Science Education Project (MSEP) Grade 12 Holiday School, at UCT in July.

"The fact that you are here means that the project is working," Nhlapo told the learners. "We hope that what you take out of this holiday school helps you to secure your place at UCT."

The MSEP is an inter-faculty outreach initiative, underpinned by an R18.5 million grant from the Royal Netherlands Embassy. The project aims to develop sustainable models of high-quality science and maths teaching and learning in five disadvantaged secondary schools in greater Cape Town.

The schools are Harry Gwala in Khayelitsha, Spine Road in Mitchell's Plain, Sophumelele in Philippi, Rhodes High in Lower Mowbray, and Thandokhulu in Mowbray.

Addressing the learners, Ferial Parker, life skills education specialist in UCT's School of Education, noted that the transformation from high school to a tertiary institution can be stressful.

"For some it can be quite a culture shock, especially when they hail from township areas, such as those in which the five MSEP schools are located."