Access to and the costs, of basic quality education, have been the subject of intense research and public debate recently in South Africa. Only 8% of South Africa’s public schools have libraries and 51% have access to digital technology.

Aimed at Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners, MatricMag will be distributed to learners who do not have access to digital technology or libraries to supplement their information needs.

“MatricMag features content covering various topics that encourage a love of learning while providing practical guidance on real options whether a learner goes on to higher education or does not have that opportunity,” says 25-year-old editor Nomvelo Miya.

“Even though MatricMag is not a curriculum based text book, we see the content as a tool to empower learners with information that will assist them to make better-informed decisions to help plan their futures,” Miya says

“Learners in rural and peri-urban areas who are among the 70% who do not get absorbed into the higher education system and also have limited or no digital access are the most marginalized in terms of exposure to opportunities. MatricMag will aggregate information that will equip them to become more employable or to start their own sustainable businesses,” she says.

Miya continues: “Our approach to the distribution of critical information is one that acknowledges the realities of South Africa. Given the very apparent geographic limitations of digital reach at this stage, MatricMag is a resource that can reach learners in both printed and digital formats.”

In order to reach all schools in rural and peri-urban areas, MatricMag is seeking the participation of corporate and individual partners to sponsor the distribution of the magazine.

Sponsoring one learner for a year costs R60 and sponsoring one school (300 learners) for a year costs R18 000.

MatricMag is a magazine to be distributed to learners in rural high schools in South Africa who do not have access to digital technology or libraries to supplement their information needs.

For more information, visit www.matricmag.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.