A collaborative effort between the Provincial Departments of Basic Education, Saica and the Finance and Accounting Sector Education and Training (Fasset), the camps take place annually during the winter holidays for a minimum of seven days. They offer academically talented grade 12 learners from quintile 1 to quintile 3 schools, additional academic support in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting.
Established to grow the pipeline of disadvantaged learners who wish to study towards a career in chartered accountancy, the camps also aim to increase the percentage of African or Coloured learners passing mathematics who wish to join other scarce-skill professions.
During the camps, educators are supported by Saica’s project managers for transformation and growth and camp leaders who are tertiary students pursuing accounting programmes at Saica-accredited universities. Each day is unique and allows learners to gain and entrench knowledge. In addition to academic support, the camps offer life/soft skills training, university application process and career guidance – equipping learners with the tools they need to make informed and wise career choices.
“Our development camps provide immense value to learners by fostering educational excellence and professional growth among South Africa’s youth. We make it our priority to ensure that learners who attend these camps are empowered with the necessary study skills and examination techniques to excel in their studies”, says Ms Gugu Makhanya, Saica’s executive for transformational projects. “We also pride ourselves with the educators identified by the provincial departments of education, based on their excellent track record in teaching and learning to teach at the camps”, continues Makhanya.
The success of the Saica Fasset development camps is best illustrated through the achievements of its past attendees. For the past 22 years, the camps have empowered thousands of disadvantaged learners, with many going on to excel in their studies and thrive in their professional careers while serving as role models to current learners.
Earlier this year, four learners who attended the camps in 2023, were announced amongst the country’s top achievers by the then Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
To assess the learners’ performance and improvement throughout the camp, the learners write a pre-test on arrival and a post-test towards the end of each camp. On the last day of the camp, special recognition is given to the top performers in mathematics, science, and accountancy – highlighting their hard work and dedication.
