Maths and science laboratory opens at school in Stellenbosch
Ford South Africa handed over its 100th Maths and Science Laboratory as part of its Centenary commitment to empowering youth in under-resourced communities to Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch on Friday October 18.
This was done in celebration of its 100th anniversary in partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education.
In a press statement the motor company says this milestone marks the completion of a far-reaching initiative to equip 100 under-resourced primary schools across the country with state-of-the-art Maths and Science Labs – a project aimed at fostering a greater interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) amongst learners from grades 5 to 7.
The 100 Maths and Science Labs are set to immediately benefit approximately 20,000 primary school pupils.
“Our mission at Ford Philanthropy is to partner with communities to move people forward and upward, helping build a better world and improving peoples’ lives through education, particularly for the younger generation,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.
“I was fortunate to see the handover of the first laboratory last year as part of Ford South Africa’s Centenary event, and it’s fantastic to now have the 100th unit being delivered less than 12 months later. It truly is remarkable what can be achieved when like-minded people, non-profit organisations and companies join forces to do good.
The project kicked off in November last year at the start of the motor company’s centenary celebrations when the first unit was handed over to a school in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
“The delivery of the 100 Maths and Science Laboratories represents our dedication to building a future where young South Africans have the tools and opportunities to excel in a technology-driven world,” said Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company Africa.
Logistics company Maersk donated the 100 shipping containers, which were transformed into fully functioning labs by Gift of the Givers, complete with all the necessary teaching and learning equipment.
“Maersk has a history that has been deeply intertwined with Ford internationally since 1928, and this has grown to become one of the most enduring and mutually beneficial collaborations around the world. Our history is testament to the power of long-term relationships, dedication and shared values that bind us together,” said Theo Pappas, Area Sales director for Maersk South Africa.
In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, primary schools in all nine provinces across the country were identified to receive these labs, ensuring pupils have access to quality resources that foster a deeper interest in the fields of maths and science.
Coinciding with the handover, the final training week for teachers involved in the project across the country took place, conducted by one of the Department of Basic Education’s preferred suppliers specialising in mathematics and science equipment and training, under the auspices of Gift of the Givers.
“We applaud Ford Philanthropy and Ford South Africa for this innovative concept of providing these maths and science containers in rural and underprivileged areas across South Africa,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers Foundation.
“This is not only about education and learning, but it also brings hope to the learners, educators, parents and the broader community. It serves as inspiration, and recognises that each person matters, even in rural South Africa, and shows they are not forgotten.”
In addition to the 100 Maths and Science Labs, Ford launched two additional legacy projects for its Centenary, each underscoring its commitment to building a better world by empowering the youth through education.
The two projects include funding the establishment of 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and awarding 100 scholarships to young South Africans from impoverished communities.
