New science labs open at four schools

Science lessons are set to become more engaging for pupils at four high schools after each received a brand-new, fully equipped laboratory to boost hands-on learning.

Masiyile High School in Khayelitsha, Isilimela High School in Langa, Thandokhulu High School in Mowbray, and Livingstone High School in Claremont officially opened their new labs on Tuesday, October 28. 

The project was made possible through the support of the Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Advancing Knowledge NPC, which partnered with the aim of strengthening science education at under-resourced schools.

Representatives from the donor organisations, school principals, and local education officials attended the ceremonies, celebrating this milestone for education in the metro.

The new facilities feature modern equipment, individual workstations, and the necessary tools for experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology.

At the handover ceremony at Masiyile High School in Khayelitsha, Professor Shaheed Hartley of Advancing Knowledge challenged teachers to start producing positive results now that they have a lab. Mr Matthews said the lab should not become a "white elephant" but rather a vibrant space for pupils to learn.

“We have been on the back foot, but now we have a space to learn. There is space for 60 learners here. From grade 8, they must utilise this space. We are no longer on the back foot; I want to see the results. Now you have a space - make learners do well,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer at the Garden Archways Foundation, John Matthews, said teachers should ensure they provide for future pupils. “By donating these science laboratories, we are trying to level the playing fields. We have realised that children from disadvantaged schools are writing the same papers as those who have all the resources. They compete with schools that have resources, and that is not fair. For us, this is not enough, but Aluta continues,” he said.

He encouraged collaboration, saying that it leads to a winning product. He called on schools, teachers, the community, and business people to work together.

Masiyile principal Eugenia Matyatya said: “I am lost for words, but I am grateful at the same time. We are now going to have a well-equipped lab, and our children will do science practically."

Her colleague at Langa’s Isilimela High School, principal Thobeka Dlali, said the lab will inspire pupils to explore and pursue careers in the science stream, and it will also help reduce the dropout rate they experience.

“Through this lab, their understanding of the subject will improve. The learners expect that their performance will be enhanced. Even for the school, there will be no excuse for why the learners are not performing because the tools that the learners can use to improve their understanding of the subject are presented through the lab,” she said.

This initiative aims to promote science education and create opportunities for pupils to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.