MEDIA RELEASE
21 November 2006

SAPREF and Shell Chemicals pull together in a science education investment in Merebank and Wentworth

SAPREF and sister company Shell Chemicals have joined forces to provide seven science kits for seven schools in the Merebank and Wentworth area to the cost of R110 000.The kits which will be used by learners in Grade 10-12 comprise of mini chemistry equipment, electronics kits, spirit burners, electronic balance and power supply and will assist the schools with Maths and Science education.
According to the Centre for Development and Enterprise, 2004 - “Inadequate mathematics and science education is probably the single biggest obstacle to African advancement in the country. It impacts severely on the development of high-level skills in the workforce and thus limits economic growth”~ Centre for Development and Enterprise, 2004.

Speaking on behalf of SAPREF, Lora Rossler, SAPREF’s sustainable development manager, said that the National Business Initiative recently reported that only 5.2% of learners achieve a higher grade pass in mathematics and this creates a shortage of school-leavers with university entrance passes in mathematics resulting in a very limited pool of learners who are able to study Maths, science and technology based courses such as engineering, financial management etc at university level. Basic numeracy, mathematical, scientific and technological skills are critical for further learning and the world of work. Learners who are competent in these skills are able to engage in effective post-school learning across a wide range of learning fields.

The majority of schools that offer mathematics and science have poorly equipped equipment and facilities for promoting effective teaching and learning. The Science kits will clearly contribute to addressing a great need and will allow schools in this area to develop their Maths and Science teaching.

The recipient schools for the kits will be Wentworth High School, Fairvale High School, Umbilo High School, Interfellowship School, Merebank Secondary School, Ganges Secondary School and PR Pather Secondary School.

Rossler said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when industry joins forces with government departments and makes strategic and sustainable social investments. Education is a particularly key area to invest in as it provides long-term benefits both socially and economically. We hope to identify more initiatives where public private partnerships can be implemented in the future in neighbouring communities.”

Zeidah Richards, External Affairs consultant at Shell Chemicals said, “Shell Chemicals being a global organization is committed in contributing towards the sustainability of the communities in which it operates. It does this by looking for opportunities to grow capacity of previously disadvantaged communities.

The areas of focus are skills development/job creation; education and schooling; environmental rehabilitation and/or upliftment; It does this by identifying and financing projects, which uplift the community, demonstrate a high multiplier effect and in which the community itself contributes cash, kind or sweat equity.

In this instance Shell Chemicals formed a partnership with SAPREF to provide science kits to these schools to encourage learners to make science as one of their subject choice.”

For further information please contact:

Prudence Mbatha
Communications Officer
SAPREF
Tel: (031) 480 1303
Fax: (031) 468 1111
Email: mbathap@sapref.com