By Neville Maakana
Tzaneen - Children from more than 30 rural schools in Limpopo will finally be able to do science experiments.
The schools are expected to receive mobile science laboratories from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) before they reopen on July 15.
“The initiative provides teachers and learners with a platform to perform experiments, which they could otherwise not do due to lack of facilities,” said NYDA spokesperson, Siyabonga Magadla.
Magadla said one mobile science laboratory costs about R50 000 and is equipped with the necessary apparatus and chemicals needed to perform scientific experiments for Grades 10, 11 and 12, as prescribed by the Department of Basic Education.
Magadla said the mobile laboratory project, which was launched three years ago, is helping to improve matric results.
“The laboratories are also encouraging learners to consider maths and science as critical subjects of choice, in line with the development needs of the country,” Magadla said.
One of the schools that received a mobile laboratory last week is Charles Mathonsi Secondary in Dan village outside Tzaneen, which increased its matric pass rate from 22% to 78% last year.
“Our teachers and students have been struggling to carry out science experiments, so we welcome this donation. It will make the teaching and learning of science much easier,” said school principal Kenneth Mhlongo.
In Mopani district, secondary schools that will receive mobile laboratories include Matlhari, Mpumulana, Magoza and Matimu outside Tzaneen. They also include Tiyani near Giyani, Sekgalabjana outside Hoedspruit as well as Marobathota outside Polokwane.
Some of the other 23 secondary schools include Marunde and Musina in Vhembe, Bakenberg and Sekgopetjana in Waterberg, Dikoloi in Capricorn as well as Mohlarutse and Moloke in the Sekhukhune district.
The NYDA aims to deliver mobile laboratories to more than 100 rural schools in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Free State this year. – SAnews.gov.za
