A state-of-the-art Mobile Science and IT Lab that will unlock the potential of science education for learners of Jabulani Technical High School in Soweto was recently handed over to the principal of the school, Mr Ngwenya. The mobile lab, an ideal alternative for underprivileged schools such as this one, incorporates both the technology and science equipment needed to conduct experiments covered in the high school science syllabus – bringing physics and chemistry to life as never before.
The lab (a self-sufficient portable structure on wheels) will be used to teach science to learners at the school, enabling practical interactive demonstrations, as well as appropriate revision in preparation for exams.
Commenting on the handover, Kabira Akoob, CSI manager, PPC said, “as a responsible corporate citizen, PPC prides itself on creating and supporting corporate social investment campaigns that make a real difference in the lives of the communities in which it operates. It is against this backdrop that Jabulani Technical High School was chosen as a beneficiary.”
Akoob further added that many learners still find science extremely inspiring and interesting even though the subject is considered tough to teach, with educators at times overwhelmed by the amount of material, and students simultaneously discouraged with the amount to master.
“Through our understanding of the challenges that both educators and learners face with Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) related subjects, we were encouraged to continue playing our part in giving them a space to excel in this field. The philosophy at the core of our Mobile Science initiative stems from this very commitment – as a business – towards supporting budding scientist, providing them with the tools to develop their skills, she said.”
The handover of the facility to the school is amongst one of several such initiatives planned to benefit schools countrywide. Since September 2016, PPC has handed over 14 of the flagship Mobile Science and IT Labs. Through these, over 10 000 learners countrywide have already benefited thus opening up their career paths to becoming South Africa’s next generation of engineers, scientists and technicians.
Supported by equally enthusiastic stakeholders – both internal and external, the Mobile Science Lab is one of the company’s flagship projects under the overall PPC social pillar. A major development in the evolutionary process of the PPC Mobile Science & IT Lab initiative has been the collaboration with the project partner, Diebold Nixdorf.
A memorandum of understanding with the Department of Basic Education enables PPC to monitor outputs and the impact of this and other labs rolled out across South Africa. This speaks directly to the corporate’s short to medium-term plan to offer bursaries to deserving matriculants from these schools who want to pursue careers relevant to PPC.
“Driving clear opportunities together that benefit us all in the future is at the heart of the role we have committed ourselves to play in creating shared and lasting value to local communities. As a legacy brand, celebrating 125 years in existence, it’s important that we leave an equally lasting legacy in communities across the country – one that demonstrates that there’s far more to us as a brand. We therefore look forward to bringing more such education infrastructure to more communities around South Africa,” concludes Akoob.
More information from Siobhan McCarthy, siobhan.mccarthy@ppc.co.za
