About

Ukuqonda, as its name implies (which means “to understand”), focuses strongly on learning with conceptual understanding and the development of key concepts, rather than (only) preparing learners for tests and examinations. In practical terms this means engagement of learners in meaningful tasks which provide them with opportunities to make sense of subject content and to provide space for own thinking. We actively pursue ways of developing responsibility for own learning, building self-reliance, insisting on and allowing space for learners to take initiative.

The overarching perspective informing the vision of Ukuqonda is that learning should provide for sense making, the promotion of conceptual understanding and development of valuable knowhow and strategic skills.

The Ukuqonda Institute primarily focuses on the following areas in basic and higher education where impact is required:

• the General Education and Training (GET) Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase
• one-year residential post matric (grade 12) bridging programme between FET and Tertiary Education
• national certificates in Engineering taking post matric (grade 12) learners up to N2 level and N5 Mathematics
• academic support to first year university students in the sciences and engineering faculties, with a major focus on developing problem solving skills