Coding for a brighter future for robotics and coding club

Engen and Proconics made a donation of smart kits to allow learners to programme a better future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects at Merebank Secondary School.

November 1, 2024

Dillon Pillay 1 minute read

Merebank Secondary Learners' Neel Moodley, Theagan Pillay, Yashen Govender, Timika Naicker, Don Hayden Naicker and Kiaan Naicker with their new donated smart kits used for robotics and coding. PHOTOS: Dillon Pillay.

MEREBANK Secondary School was the recipients of a R40 000 donation by Engen and Proconics in support for the school’s robotics and coding club on October 25.

Also read: Fun for all at Merebank Secondary School

This donation will further enhance the digital learning resources and provide an inspiring environment in which the young learners can explore the world of technology and will allow for the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subject choices in schools.

Merebank Secondary School was identified by the Community-Engen Joint Committee as a school in need. The donation equipped the school with some much-needed equipment namely 60 AAA batteries, 15 classroom smart home kits, 15 smart home material packs, 15 ring bit car v2 kits, 15 microbit starter kits and 10 crocodile clips. This set of equipment will enhance the Grade 8 and 9 robotics and coding programme at the school, while plans are in place to extend the programme into the higher grades from 2025.

Donated equipment from Engen and Proconics.

Vimla Chetty, acting deputy principal at Merebank Secondary School, said, “It’s essential to teach our learners the coding skills necessary to function in a digital and information-driven world.” Chetty also elaborated on how funding would affect the learners’ educational experiences for years to come.

Merebank Secondary School’s deputy acting principal Vimla Chetty and principal Kishan Bridgelal handing a letter of thanks to Engen representative Tina Griffiths for their donation.

Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI manager, reiterated how the partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal that calls for quality education for all. “Engen is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our youth through access to quality education,” said Mdabula.

Proconics, a South African engineering company partnering with Engen to execute its Refinery-to-Terminal (RTT) project. Reginald Mbatha, managing director of Proconics, said, “We are proud of this partnership and the meaningful impact we have brought into the lives of the learners at Merebank Secondary School.”

This initiative underlines Engen’s commitment to advancing stem subjects in school and providing quality education for all.

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