Students showing potential in mathematics and science are identified and given the opportunity to join the SAILI programmes. The selected students are identified as early as Grade 6 and are placed on various programmes progressing through secondary and tertiary levels.

SAILI is a key player on the Western Cape mathematics and science educational scene, working closely with, amongst others, the Centre for Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha, The Cape Academy for Maths and Science, the Leap Science and Maths School as well as the provincial education department, the local higher education institutions and industry. All have played a role in helping SAILI to continuously develop its programmes and to maximise their impact.

SAILI realises that the task of educating the nation’s most prized asset, its children, is a huge one, which cannot be managed by the state alone. We therefore believe that we are obligated to assist in building an educated nation.

One of the most alarming facts in South African society is that less than 1/30 of historically disadvantaged pupils leaving high school do so with a mathematics and science foundation (i.e. 50% in these subjects) necessary to study engineering, science or commerce at a tertiary institution. Over half the children SAILI supports achieve these outcomes. Given the pivotal role that quantitative and technical disciplines play in the modern economy this is a critical situation with serious consequences.

We appeal to you to partner with us to work together towards helping current and future generations of children develop their full potential for the benefit of our country. This is only possible with enduring commitment from organisations such as SAILI and support from corporate and public sector institutions.

The ever-increasing pace of technology development and the inevitable positive impact it will have on restoring past imbalances and socioeconomic reform can only be fully utilised if the country’s youth are developed at the same pace.

The education system is failing to deliver enough school leavers equipped with mathematics and science to meet the country’s needs.

SAILI is committed to inculcating an ethos of learning, exploration and knowledge gathering that will equip future generations with the tools to break paradigms and challenge the status quo. The sustainability of our efforts to uplift and educate our youth is inextricably linked to our efforts in generating awareness and interest in the public and private sectors.

Our experience tells us that we need to focus our efforts on the development of the pupils and put our resources where the potential lies.