THERE is a glimmer of hope that the Grade 12 pupils from the Moutse area in Limpopo, who have never had effective and efficient learning, will still pass their exams this year in spite of disruptions.

The pupils were affected by the ongoing demarcation disputes that engulfed the area.

Now MEC for education Namane Masemola has organised a two-week camp to help them prepare for the exams.

The 760 pupils from schools in Sekhukhune are divided into two groups - girls are accommodated at Tivumbeni Further Education and Training (FET) college while boys s are accommodated at Makhado FET college for the duration.

The pupils will undergo extensive teaching by curriculum advisors and subject specialists until October 16. They will also go through previous exam papers.

Curriculum advisers have also arranged workshops for teachers and pupils about possible questions in particular subjects.

Masemola said: "We have realised that schools in the Moutse West area were highly affected by the riots in their communities.

"Basically, there has never been effective learning and teaching for these children.

"And this is the type of commitment that our parents, pupils and the community at large have displayed - showing concern about the future of our children and organising camps for them."

Masemola said some schools had suffered from the riots since hooligans destroyed school furniture and buildings, while others destroyed learning aids and disrupted lessons.

Masemola said as a result principals sent children home for weeks in an effort to protect them from being negatively affected by the violent protests.

He said he was optimistic that Limpopo will fly the flag of South Africa high in January when the matric results are announced.

He said apart from the Moutse fiasco his department was ready for the examinations.

Year-end examinations are due to start on October 26.