Scientists of note could soon be produced in Alexandra’s own backyard following the arrival of chemistry equipment at one of the community schools.
This after a donation in the form of two science experiment kits to Zenzeleni Primary School by specialty chemicals company Lanxess. The kits were donated to the school by company MD Karl Gassen in the presence of his employees, the school principal, children and head of department.
During the handover ceremony, a company scientist demonstrated how the equipment worked to the teachers and learners, and in his speech Gassen told them that science was an important subject because it involves the activities of everyday life.
“By donating these kits, I believe that this will go a long way in nurturing and shaping the pupils’ minds to become engineers and scientists one day. At Lanxess we understand the importance of education, and this initiative shows without any doubt that the company cares about the educational development of children around the community in which we operate,” Gassen said.
“These kits are not only portable, but they are also convenient for schools like this which do not have science rooms or laboratories. This initiative is part of company’s worldwide project through which 1 000 chemistry kits have been donated to elementary schools and educational institutions located close to the company sites.”
School principal, Thandi Gumede said, “We are very honoured to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the science kits from a number of schools around our community. It is pleasing to see that there are companies like Lanxess that take the education and development of young children very seriously. We would like to thank Lanxess for bringing hope and unlocking the future of our children.”
Each chemistry kit consists of an experiment case, a box with additional equipment and instruction manuals. The manuals have descriptions and instructions for conducting 10 different experiments.
These experiments, designed by the company in co-operation with the Department of Teaching and Didactics of Chemistry at the Technical University of Dortmund in Germany, are completely safe and focus primarily on the solubility of substances in water.
