SAPREF and Shell Chemicals pull together in a science education investment in Isipingo

31 AUGUST 2007

SAPREF and Shell Chemicals have joined forces to provide fourteen science kits for 14 schools in the Isipingo area to the cost of R135 000. The kits which will be used by learners in Grade 4-12 comprise of mini chemistry equipment, electronics kits, spirit burners, electronic balance and power supply and will assist the schools with Maths and Science education. Speaking on behalf of SAPREF, Lora Rossler, SAPREF’s sustainable development manager, said that recent reports indicate 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. The consequence is 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 the future. Learners who are competent in these skills will have a range of study and career choices. The majority of schools that offer mathematics and science have limited 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 Isipingo Primary School, Isipingo Hills, Isipingo Beach Intermediate, Gokul Primary, Kamalinee Primary, Umlazi Commercial High, Platt Drive Primary, Orissa Primary, Orient Hill, Isipingo Secondary, Strelitzia Secondary, Primrose Primary, Windy Heights Primary, Reunion Secondary and Commercial High 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 continue to identify more initiatives where public private partnerships can be implemented in the future in neighbouring communities.”

Morvin Subban, Shell Chemicals General Manager, viewed the project as a very positive, sustainable skills development initiative. “One of the key sustainers of increased economic growth in South Africa is the ongoing availability of appropriately skilled people, a view echoed by both government and the private sector. A strong grounding in Maths and Science equips the learner with the tools to solve problems systematically and creatively – an endowment that ultimately lays the foundation for a multitude of exciting and financially rewarding career paths. Shell Chemicals, as a global organisation but with strong linkages to the local communities in which it operates, understands the fundamentally important role that a quality education plays in facilitating the entry of previously disadvantaged individuals into the formal economy. The provision of science kits to schools that to date have not enjoyed adequate facilities to progress effective learning addresses this challenge at grass roots level”.

For further information please contact:

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