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WSP volunteers support Cape Town learners through Saturday maths initiative

WSP volunteers are helping 28 top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners from two Cape Town schools strengthen their maths skills, improve their results and explore careers in engineering, science and the built environment through nine Saturday tutoring sessions.

WSP volunteers are helping top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners from two Cape Town schools strengthen their maths skills, improve their results and explore future careers in engineering, science and the built environment.

The initiative supports learners from Zola Business School in Khayelitsha and Soneike High School in Kuils River, bringing them into WSP’s Cape Town office for weekend tutoring sessions led by young engineers and scientists who use maths in their work every day. Alongside practical tutoring, the programme is designed to promote excellence, hard work and consistency, helping learners see what can be achieved through education and sustained effort.

Led by WSP colleagues in Cape Town, the initiative focuses on giving learners practical support in preparation for their exams and helping them connect maths with real-world careers in engineering, science and the wider built environment. Tutors have also shared their own routes into STEM careers, using their personal journeys to motivate learners and show how strong maths skills can open up future opportunities.

Feedback from learners points to the programme’s impact on confidence and classroom performance, with learners describing tutors as patient, approachable and willing to explain difficult topics in different ways until they are understood. Several learners said the sessions had helped them tackle questions they previously avoided, improve in areas such as trigonometry, calculus and functions, and gain confidence ahead of their final examinations.

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The programme has supported 28 Grade 11 and 12 learners to date, with 14 learners attending from each of the two participating schools. 18 WSP volunteers, supported by three students undertaking vacation work placements, have been involved across 9 Saturday tutoring sessions. At a recent school holiday session, 24 of the 28 learners attended, with the group also taking a walk around the V&A Waterfront that included viewing a nearby construction project to see first-hand how maths is used in the built environment.

Many Saturday afternoons have ended with learners asking for longer tutoring sessions, showing their appreciation for the volunteers and their commitment to their studies. WSP’s young engineers and scientists have also been inspired by the learners, reinforcing the value of working together to help develop the next generation of engineers and scientists.

One of the things I am most proud of is seeing our Cape Town office open its doors to learners from underprivileged communities who have the ambition to succeed. Through our Maths Initiative, they can see what is possible through education, hard work and perseverance, while our WSP colleagues have embraced the opportunity to share their knowledge and build meaningful relationships with the learners and each other. The shared purpose of making a difference has brought together tutors and volunteers from across our business, strengthening our culture and creating lasting bonds.
Tino Brink Director, Property and Buildings
The WSP maths tutoring initiative has been a hugely valuable experience for both the learners and tutors. The few hours we spend with the learners on a Saturday are not necessarily about making groundbreaking educational development but about inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions through their interaction with young professionals. It has been a privilege to spend time with these talented students.
Daniel Jacobs Intern, Mechanical Engineering
These few months of tutoring ended up inspiring me just as much as I hoped it would inspire the students. One student told me that they wake up at 4am every day to study before school, walk 45 minutes to school, and then stay late for evening classes before walking home and doing it all again the next day. Seeing how hard they work towards their goals really left a mark on me.
Imaan Shaik Intern, Electrical Engineering

Learners also highlighted the value of working with tutors and peers in a supportive environment. Asache said: “The tutors are patient and always willing to help. They explain and make sure that no one is left behind.” Amber added: “The Saturday classes helped me understand and no longer skip any questions.” Kutho said: “I enjoy talking to the tutors about their careers and their journeys to becoming engineers.”

The programme is also giving WSP’s graduate engineers, scientists and young professionals an opportunity to support learners directly and talk about their own routes into STEM careers.

For further information, please contact: Chris Stocks, Senior External Communications Manager, WSP

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