A new state-of-the-art mobile science laboratory was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting at the Sci-Bono Centre based in Newtown, Johannesburg on 30 January.
The laboratory, which was donated by the fuel and chemical company Sasol, was handed over to the science centre to help Gauteng science learners improve their vocational training.
Handing over the laboratory was the vice president of the Sasol Foundation, Cindi Mogotsi, and it was received by Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
This state-of-the-art mobile facility is expected to serve various local schools and it is one of the 10 mobile laboratories that Sasol has donated this far.
According to Mogotsi, the mobile laboratory is expected to service at least 30 schools per year.
She said this is Sasol’s investment which serves as a catalyst for change to support education in South Africa.
“This is a custom-designed science and a unique state-of-the-art facility earmarked to equip our learners with adequate scientific skills,” said Mogotsi.
“The aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practicals so that learners know exactly what they are being taught in schools. This mobile laboratory plays an integral part in the Sasol Foundation.”
Lesufi assured Sasol that they will utilise this mobile laboratory accordingly, adding that it comes at the right time when the Gauteng Education Department has programmes that require such a facility to advance their programmes.
He said they have and continue to partner with various private companies in various technological sectors such as aviation, engineering and motor mobile to equip learners.
“So, this investment is in capable hands…this is an investment for our nation and the country at large,” said Lesufi.
The laboratory will be stationed at the Sci-Bono Centre and will be visiting schools to assist with their various projects.
Sci-Bono Centre’s CEO More Chakane said this means a lot to them and the schools in general.
He said this will change children’s attitude towards science who have been saying science is difficult and abstract.
“Now children will be doing things practically because this will offer them an opportunity to see science instruments in real life rather than in the textbooks.
“It will further translate scientific concepts and children will understand exactly what they are being taught in schools,” said Chakane.
Instead of 30 schools per annum, Chakane aims to reach at least 40 schools and said he will do so by visiting the schools on Saturdays and during holidays while other schools will have surprise visits in the afternoons during the week.
Details: Sci-Bono Centre 011 832 3360.
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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/234466/learning-made-fun-at-sci-bono-2/
