Three fourth-year Bachelor of Education students at Emeris Waterfall transformed an unused classroom at Ebony Park Primary School into a functional science laboratory to tackle severe overcrowding and a lack of resources.
Prince Ncube, Chantel Mahlangu, and Lethabo Matloha, who are studying intermediate phase teaching, took action after noticing that resource constraints prevented learners from conducting practical experiments.
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“I conducted a natural sciences lesson on separating mixtures, where learners had to participate in an experiment. However, with approximately 65 learners, the classroom was extremely full,” said Ncube.
This made it almost impossible for every learner to have the opportunity to conduct the experiment themselves or to work effectively in smaller groups. Learners did not fully grasp the concepts that were taught in the classroom.
“Children learn best when they are given the opportunity to actively engage with what they are being taught. As a former learner of Ebony Park Primary School, I felt that we had an opportunity to give back to the school that had once been part of my own educational journey,” Ncube added.
Ncube, Mahlangu, and Matloha began cleaning, repainting, and designing the room after school hours as part of their social action project for their teaching experience module.
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“We wanted to create a space where learners could move beyond simply listening and observing and instead practically apply what they were learning. The goal was to enhance their understanding of scientific concepts while encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and a love for learning.”
What originally started as a module requirement turned into a deeply personal mission for the trio. “It became an opportunity to give back to my community and to leave something meaningful behind,” they said.
Although their official teaching experience hours are complete, the group continues to reach out to corporate organisations for assistance. Emeris Waterfall has agreed to donate chairs to furnish the new space.
“This project was never just about completing my teaching experience module. It was about identifying a need, taking initiative, and doing something that could potentially benefit learners beyond my time at the school,” concluded Ncube.
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