Limpopo local government staff and Venda University are to work with the University of Warwick to develop and share new skills following a grant from the British High Commission.

The grant of £52,600 was awarded to the Centre for Education Studies to collaborate with local academics, school principals and government officials to support education in Limpopo.

Warwick and Venda have been building a relationship since 2011, supporting teachers and learners with Maths and English education through Warwick in Africa - a philanthropically funded volunteer programme.

As an award from the British High Commission’s (BHC) Prosperity Fund, the grant is aimed at helping to create the conditions for further national economic growth, with education forming one of six policy areas identified as priorities for investment from the Fund.

Speaking at the grant’s announcement the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Judith Macgregor, said that “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.”

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

“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’”, says Professor Ian Abbott from Warwick’s Centre for Education Studies.

“The British High Commission grant provides the opportunity for colleagues from Venda and Warwick to share their knowledge and skills to spur on further developments in education, as well as allowing for a team from Warwick to visit Limpopo and conduct an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the region’s education system.”

In addition to the announced BHC grant, the University of Warwick has been working with Maths and English teachers throughout South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania since 2006 as part of Warwick in Africa.

“Warwick in Africa has been driven by the belief that Maths and English skills are great liberators from poverty”, says Professor Colin Sparrow, Head of Warwick's Department of Mathematics. “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”.
 
Notes to Editors:

- British High Commissioner to South Africa, Judith Macgregor, will formally announce the grants in Johannesburg on 25th June.

- For more information on Warwick in Africa please visit: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/giving/priority/responsibility/wina

 

Contacts:

Rachael Swann: Head of Professional Development - Centre for
Professional Education, the University of Warwick

t: +44 (0)24 76573573

M: +44 (0)7785 433 157

e: rachael dot swann at warwick dot ac dot uk

Tom Frew: International Press Officer, the University of
Warwick

t: +44 (0) 2476 575910

e: a dot t dot frew at warwick dot ac dot uk