Physical science laboratories worth R900 000 donated.
|||Two Durban schools were given a scientific boost when they received new physical science laboratories worth R900 000 recently.
Strelitzia Secondary in Isipingo and KwaMthanda in Umlazi launched their physical sciences laboratories sponsored by Sapref (a joint venture between petrol giants Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa).
Sapref converted a classroom in each school into a fully-equipped physics laboratory, complete with science kits, Bunsen burners, chemicals, six computers, a screen and a data projector.
Sapref managing director Robin Mooldjik said initiatives such as these support the quality of science teaching and learning in SA schools.
“Inadequate mathematics and science impacts severely on the development of high-level engineering skills, which ultimately impacts on the ability of industries like ours to attract high-calibre individuals. With these labs we hope the pupils can experience science first-hand,” he said.
Strelitzia Secondary’s principal, Nanda Nair, expressed his gratitude: “I would like to thank everybody from Sapref, the school governing body, the education department and all those involved for believing in our most valuable asset – the youth.”
Education MEC Senzo Mchunu said partnerships with the private sector would help the government fulfil its mandate of providing quality education for every child.