Few schools in KwaZulu-Natal’s rural Midlands have purpose-built science laboratories, seriously compromising the academic development of numerous learners in this critical field of study.
The Nottingham Road-based Midlands Community College is, however, intent on bringing science to learners, deprived of the wonder of experiments or an understanding of the basic principles of science, and technology, through a mobile science laboratory programme. Their programme has an annual reach of 6500 Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners from 62 schools. Using a dedicated programme vehicle, the facility has been taking science to Midlands schools located from Pietermaritzburg to the Drakensberg. Sadly, however, this vehicle has amassed excessive mileage, while maintenance and running costs have soared beyond affordability.
This has jeopardised its forays to rural schools because although the College has programmatic funding, it requires additional financial support to replace its vehicle. However, the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently came to its rescue, donating an appropriate vehicle, valued at R305 000, enabling the College to continue its science education project amongst the schools it serves.
Commenting on the vehicle donation, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman, said: “A mobile laboratory programme can convert the classroom seng into an effective laboratory. This is crucial for schools lacking formal science facilities because science and technology are key components of the emergent 4th industrial revolution.”
“Young learners in today’s rural areas and small towns must be afforded equal opportunities to acquire knowledge in these fields, if they are to be successful in life tomorrow. The Midlands Community College must, therefore, be applauded for its efforts to promote science in school environments where hands-on science would otherwise remain a pipe-dream.”
He added: “The primary aim the College’s Mobile Science Lab programme is to encourage learners to perform experiments and to learn the basics of science. Its experiment-based approach to learning and the provision of hands-on experience affords learners a wonderful educational experience and encourages new-found enthusiasm for this critical subject.”
The Midlands Community College, a vibrant non-profit educational center, fosters growth and resilience in both individuals and communities. Through its mathematics, science and technology programmes, it strives to break down the barriers of poverty and inequality which often impede progress.
Founded in 1981, it sets out to positively impact the lives of young rural South Africans through the provision of educational and skills-development opportunities, which would otherwise be largely inaccessible to learners in its Midlands-based area of operation.
Mr Osman said: “Upon learning of the potential threat to fulfilling the mobile science lab project, and recognising the important role the vehicle plays in the development of so many learners in KwaZulu-Natal’s vast Midlands area, the SAMCT was proud to be in a position to assist, providing a suitable vehicle to ensure the continued provision of science education in high schools lacking their own lab facilities.”
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with the Midlands Community College by providing a much-needed and appropriate vehicle with which to continue its vital and greatly appreciated task of supporting high school learners access science resources, thus enhancing their educational opportunities and engendering in them a passion for science and technology.”
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Midlands Community College Mobile Science Lab vehicle donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za