MOSSEL BAY NEWS - More than a mere laboratory, the newly-acquired science learning centre at Erika Primary School is hailed as the breeding place for a culture of science education.
The science learning centre, the last to be completed this year and the 57th of its kind, was festively opened on Friday, 20 October.
The centre is the result of a partnership between the University of the Western Cape's Faculty of Education, the non-profit organisation Garden Cities Archway Foundation, the Garden Route Casino Community Trust and the Western Cape Education Department.
Principal of Erika, Miriam Fielies, expressed the hope that the centre will trigger a curiosity in learners to explore new frontiers.
Professor Shaheed Hartley from the University of the Western Cape's Faculty of Education illustrated the value of the laboratory in engaging learners, by demonstrating how science can be taught through the most mundane things. "Science teachers have no excuses anymore.
There are so many ordinary everyday things to do." He encouraged science teachers to allow learners to interact and learn.
"Enthuse them - that's the key - let them learn by doing things."
Professor Shaheed Hartley used simple examples to demonstrate how easily educators could engage learners in learning about science.
Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo, the Dean of Education, stressed the University of the Western Cape's historical role in addressing socio-economic injustices.
"We will continue to address the needs in historically disadvantaged communities through learning, research, teaching and support.
"This science learning centre is one way of doing this."
Exploring new frontiers in science in their newly-opened science learning centre are learners at Erika Primary School with (from left) the principal Miriam Fielies and the science educators, Hayley van Rooyen and Stevin Seconds.
John Matthews, chief executive officer (CEO) for Garden Cities Archway Foundation highlighted two driving forces behind his company's commitment to uplift communities, being the nurturing of talent and partnerships.
He said that by contributing to the establishment of the science learning centres over the years, the foundation had acted as a catalyst in nurturing talent.
"This has only been possible through partnerships with the other roleplayers present."
Matthews said the science learning centres, this one being the ninth this week to be handed over, typically cost R1 million.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS; CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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