She was addressing Grade 12 learners around Sinthumule/Kutama on how to handle unnecessary pressure and improve their results, during an event at the Mudulini Community Hall last Friday.
Ramaphosa said that she started her initiative in 2001, when she realised that Grade 12 learners lack respect, discipline and faithfulness to their educators and parents. She started this project at Thivhilaeli High School, which produced a 13,7% pass rate in 2000. After she had visited the school in 2001, they obtained a 72 % pass rate, a rate that is increasing every year.
Last year she visited Lucas Rathalingwa School at Mutale, which produced 10,7% in 2002 and improved to 83,5%.
She said that the Vhembe District Department of Education allowed her to help learners from 285 Secondary Schools as a volunteer. She indicated that she is left with three areas, Vuwani, Malamulele and Sekgosese. She has already finished with Mutale, Thohoyandou and Zoutpansberg.
According to Ramaphosa, learners are not motivated. "They are not aware of the broad scope of various careers; they only know of traditional careers like teaching and nursing," she added.
She appealed to the parents to assist their children in aspects that affect their future.