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(Nust) Professor Phineas Makhurane has urged girl pupils to shed off the phobia for Mathematics and take the subject seriously as it is important in the development of their careers.
Speaking at the speech and prize-giving day at Usher Girls High School in Figtree on Friday where he was the guest of honour, Prof Makhurane advised girls not to be afraid of science subjects.
“I know girls have a phobia for Mathematics. I want to advise you that there is nothing to fear, Mathematics and Science like any other subject are passable. These subjects are some of the requirements for most of the universities and colleges in this country,” said Prof Makhurane.
“It is therefore very important that you put maximum effort in your school work and achieve.
“Dreams are always a driving force in our lives. I know your head and teachers have dreams for you, you have dreams for Usher, let them come to fruition through you.”
Prof Makhurane encouraged the girls to take opportunities given to them by the Government such as affirmative action during enrolment at the country’s tertiary institutions.
“Most universities and colleges in the country have embarked on positive discrimination to boost the environment of female students.
“This is not a drive to favour female students. The Government is simply allowing the women of our society to take the place among men and make their contribution as equal citizens.”
In her annual report, the headmistress, Ms Idah Moyo, said the school performed well in last year’s Ordinary and Advanced Level public examinations.
“Our 2011 Ordinary Level results were quite impressive. We attained an 82 percent pass rate from 73 percent for the previous year. The A-level pass rate was 91,2 percent from 87,5 percent,” she said.
The Salvation Army-run school was named number 45 out of more than 2 000 secondary schools in the country’s O-level examinations last year.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu