Grant awarded to support education in South Africa

Warwick University are to collaborate with local academics, school principals and government officials to support education in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

A grant of £52,600 was awarded by the British High Commission (BHC) to the Centre for Education Studies to work in partnership with local government staff and Venda University to develop and share new skills.

Warwick and Venda have been working together since 2011 through Warwick in Africa (WiA), a philanthropically funded volunteer programme supporting teachers and learners with maths and English education.

The grant from the BHC’s prosperity fund aims to help create the conditions for further national economic growth, with education being one of six areas identified as priorities for investment.

The collaboration between Warwick and Venda will involve the development of a team of international and local champions to help transform the quality of education in the Limpopo region.

Professor Ian Abbott from Warwick’s Centre for Education Studies said: “Our aim is further develop our partnership between the University of Warwick and Venda University that will enhance the quality of education and lead to continuing school improvement.”

Judith Macgregor, High Commissioner to South Africa, said: “Education is a cornerstone to creating growth and prosperity for countries’ future populations. This grant is a continuation of our commitment to supporting South Africa’s focus on education and skills for employability.”

Professor Colin Sparrow, head of Warwick’s Department of Mathematics, said: “Warwick in Africa has been driven by the belief that Maths and English skills are great liberators from poverty.

“The grant from the British High Commission will help us to strengthen our relationship with local partners, and to maximise the impact of the programme.”

Warwick has been working with maths and English teachers throughout South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania since 2006 as part of Warwick in Africa.