Telkom intends to honour South Africa’s bst Maths, Science and Technology educators through the introduction of the Telkom Educator of the Year Awards.
The launch of the awards will take place at Johannesburg’s Westcliff Hotel, and will be managed by the Telkom Foundation, the company’s charitable and social responsibility arm.
Says Prelene Schmidt, acting CEO of the Telkom Foundation: “The technological innovations that define our age have brought about a profound change in the skill requirements of the global workforce. The knowledge workers of tomorrow, of which the global economy will demand ever-increasing numbers, will have to demonstrate heightened intellectual prowess – a equirement that will be difficult to meet without a solid foundation in Maths, Science and Technology.”
She adds: “As an ICT Company, it is obvious why Telkom’s focus is on Maths, Science and Technology education. But more importantly, we are also acutely aware that the skills reservoir in our country is quite shallow in these fields. If we are to grow our economy, every effort needs to be ploughed into bolstering our Maths, Science and Technology proficiency at all levels in our country.”
A total of seven educators will walk away with the prestigious awards, with six each winning laptops and ZAR15 000.
“In addition, there will be a seventh category, our retired Educator of the Year, who will receive a laptop and R20 000.00 in cash,” says Schmidt. Many qualified educators had to come out of retirement due to the scarcity of certified teachers in the above-mentioned subject matters. These educators have passionately dedicated many years to their profession and it is fitting to recognize and reward them for this,” explains Schmidt.
Those who take the trouble to nominate deserving educators also stand a chance to win. “Laptops will be awarded to seven lucky people who vote for one of the eventual winners,” says Schmidt. Entry forms for the Telkom Educator of the Year Awards are available from all Telkom Direct stores or on www.educatoroftheyear.co.za.
Nominations and voting will commence on 28 May 2009 and will end on 28 June 2009, one month later. The awards ceremony is scheduled for the 22nd of August 2009.
