In the early 90’s in South Africa, there were about 100 000 teachers in training. By 2002, that figure was down to about 12 000 – of whom only 3 000 graduated. At the end of that same year, of the 12 200 school leavers interviewed, only 1.4% listed education (teaching) as their preferred field of study. In the important learning areas of Physical Science, Mathematics, Technology and Business Studies, there wasn’t just a shortage of educators. As recently as 1997, 50% of the mathematics teachers and 42% of the science teachers had received no specialized learning area training. With such a dearth of suitably qualified educators, many students left school without the necessary skills and knowledge required to make a difference to the local and global economy.