Penguin Tutoring Blog

Very early on a cold and moist autumn morning, a taxi left the Johannesburg CBD. On board was a team of hand picked Penguin tutors, specialists in Maths and Science. Their destination was the HB Nyathi school in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

The Penguin Tutoring Co, with backing from the RGM School of Excellence, has embarked on a Saturday school project to assist 100 Grade 10 learners improve their grasp and understanding of Maths and Physical Science. The ultimate goal is to maintain the partnership with these learners until Grade 12, constantly improving their marks and giving them the opportunity to apply to a tertiary institution, obtain a degree and follow their dreams.

The learners at this dynamic school, set in a humble neighbourhood of the township, are eager to embrace this learning opportunity and are willing to give up their Saturday mornings, every week, if it means that one day, they too will be university students on their way to a wonderful career.

The tutors, themselves products of disadvantaged backgrounds, were excited by the prospect of being able to give something back to the community, and to act as mentors and role models to these young, impressionable minds.In their introductory speeches, they told these young people of the hardships they had overcome, and how, through the power of education, they had achieved their goals.

The Penguin Tutoring Co is proud to partner with the RGM School of Excellence on this important social investment initiative. Their goals, which focus on the empowerment of youth through education and career guidance, are in close alignment with those of Penguin Tutoring. They share our passion for the vital need for excellence in Maths and Science to ensure the future of our children and the prosperity of our country.

Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the great engine of personal development” and that is true whether you are giving or receiving the education.

Last night I had the pleasure and the privilege of attending a gala function at the Johannesburg City Hall. This in itself was an uplifting experience. Driving apprehensively through the darkening streets of downtown Johannesburg,  I was enthralled at the beautiful buildings in the vicinity of this magnificent old lady. The fire damaged historical Post office building is receiving attention and together with the City Hall and another newly refurbished building in close proximity, the area looks set to rival the smartest addresses in any European city for class and architectural excellence.

The event, hosted by Murray and Roberts, was to announce the winners of their annual Jack Cheetham award. This year’s winner was the Tiger Titans Cricket Club in the Eastern Cape. The club was started in 2007 by a 14 year old schoolboy in Bathurst, Ross McCreath. His aim was to give the boys from the impoverished Nolukanye township something to do during the holidays.In a very short time, Ross and the enthusiastic group of boys had restored the derelict cricket field and started practicing. The under 14 Tiger Titans team took on Ross’s school team, St Andrews College,reaching the winning target with seven wickets in hand and disposing of Ross for a duck! Today, a squad of 50 young boys between 9 and 19 make up three formidable teams and 35 of the players are enrolled in the President’s Award Programme.

Ross is a 17 year old schoolboy. He works with passion, energy and drive to improve the lives of so many young people in his community. He has received awards in South Africa and overseas and was invited by HRH Prince Phillip to be the keynote speaker at a gala dinner at Lords Cricket Ground. He has been recognised by the Peter Cruddas foundation as one of ten International social innovators. Together with the talented coach, Mduduzi Mkalipi, and community elder, Gladman Xali, Ross McCreath is altering the future of an entire community.

Murray and Roberts, already every South African’s favourite company after their involvement in the Chilean mine rescue, is a big company - doing bigger things. With the support of business and the energy and passion of our youth, South Africa is full of promise. Imagine what you could do.