PPC Enhances Science Learning in Rural North West

PPC enhances science learning in rural north west
Earlier today, Mochudi Secondary School in rural North West became the latest beneficiary of
PPC’s science educational programme when the company handed over a Mobile Science and
IT Lab.
Many of the rural schools in South Africa need resources that reflect the futuristic innovation
that will positively change lives. The challenge and responsibility to achieve this does not lie
only with government but requires involvement by all key stakeholders, especially corporates
in South Africa.
It is expected that PPC’s donation of the lab will help the school with the improvement of
science teaching and learning, and consequently improve pass rates.
“Pupils want to use technology and prepare themselves for the digital world. As a school, we
appreciate this initiative because it addresses one of the pressing needs in our community,
particularly practical exposure to science and technology. The resources will greatly enhance
the leaners’ comprehension of science as a subject. Lessons will become more interesting
and practical as teachers will use the lab to conduct practical scientific experiments," said Mr
Jaabosigo, Principal at Mochudi Secondary School.
The initiative renders the location irrelevant as it closes the gap between rural and urban
education. This initiative empowers the teacher while also allowing pupils to “get involved” in
digital experiences by bringing educational content to “life” and creating experiences that were
previously difficult to access.
The lab contains the necessary and essential tools to enhance the learning and teaching
experience for both teachers and learners. It contains chemicals, equipment and other
teaching aids, as well as a full IT system provided by Diebold Nixdorf, PPC’s partner in the
project. The IT system provides bespoke software that comes handy for science teachers and
pupils. It also boasts a full audio-visual capability, including surround sound for the screening
of videos to enhance the learning experience.
“It is now common knowledge that high performance in maths and science are vital in
producing individuals with the right skills to prosper in the evolving economy. The mobile
science lab thus supports government’s strategic initiative to improve outcomes in these key
subjects," said Johan Claassen, PPC CEO.
The handover of the lab forms part of ongoing initiatives planned to benefit schools
countrywide. To date, over 10 000 learners have already been positively impacted, opening
new career paths for learners to become South Africa’s next generation of engineers,
scientists and technicians.
“To give you a sense of the impact this initiative is making, Last year, for example, we gave a
lab similar to this to a school in Hammanskraal and the pass rate in science more than doubled
in the first year, and now stands at 83%. We have no doubt that, as the teachers develop new
ways of using the labs more effectively, the sky will literally be the limit, " Claassen added.
This initiative is done in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. The latter enables
the company to monitor outputs of every lab that is donated. This ensures that the initiative
doesn’t stop with the handover. PPC uses the results to offer bursaries to deserving
matriculants from participating schools who want to pursue careers in various relevant fields.
Ends.