As 2020 Grade 12 learners prepare for their exams which are scheduled to start on the 5th November, Fundi has launched its “12 for 12” relay race in support of the #SavingTheClassOf2020 initiative. The race, which is scheduled for 27 October at Tembisa Secondary School, will see Fundi’s team members take to the track to run a 12 hour-relay – with each hour symbolic of the 12 years of preparation that ultimately culminate in the matric exams.
This year’s theme of “12 for 12” (12 hours to symbolise the 12 years of schooling that matric represents) draws attention to the realities facing this year’s group of matrics as they struggle to make up lost time. “Matric is a pivot point in your education journey as an individual. These exam results count. They open or close doors for your future – whether that’s further study or a direct job opportunity. They’re results you carry with you throughout most of your career. Passing matric and passing well was already going to be a challenge for many learners at the start of this academic year given the difficult circumstances they face. That was before Covid-19,” said Mala Suriah, CMO of Fundi.
“Now, with less than a month to go before their exams start, we want to salute and support these courageous individuals who are rising to the challenge of completing their final year of schooling – despite not being able to continue learning during the lockdown,” added Suriah. Primestars, in conjunction with the Department of Basic Education, launched the #SavingTheClassOf2020 initiative in August, Fundi’s 12 for 12 race was introduced around the same time in a bid to help matric students who needed help during the pandemic.
“We wanted to find a way to not only support the Class of 2020, but raise collective awareness about the challenges they are facing. A race that involved a handful of people running round and round a confined area in isolation for a period of 12 hours seemed fitting in terms of capturing what being a matric in the time of Covid-19 must feel like: frustrating, tiring, relentless” said Suriah.
With the target of R12m to be raised, the edutech solution provider company is challenging individuals, families, communities, associations and corporate South Africa to join it in ensuring as many matrics as possible are supported and ready for the big exams. All proceeds raised will go to Fundi’s registered NPO – the FundiFund, which will then donate everything directly to Primestars who will allocate the donations to supporting learners in need.
The donations will buy study materials, books, food and refreshments, transport, online content (and free access), free WhatsApp access to exam preparation material and other support. “You can do so today by donating directly, making a pledge or sponsoring per hour on 27 October when the race is in progress. All details are available on the company’s dedicated microsite www.fundifund12for12.co.za,” concluded Suriah.
