Coca-Cola has invested R3-million in a project that will make a significant contribution towards science and technology education
Moving matter: The Coca-Cola mobile science labs can be moved from classroom to classroom as they are required
Recognising that schools in previously disadvantaged communities have little to no essential learning resources, particularly in mathematics, science and technology, Coca-Cola decided to support the area of science and technology.
“The Coca-Cola science lab project came in response to the dire need identified within the schools in our local communities. As a company we feel it is our duty to make a meaningful contribution to the long-term development of this county’s youth,” says Mandla Tisani, director of government relations for Coca-Cola Southern and East Africa.
The mobile science project began in KwaZulu-Natal in March 2000 and has since rolled out in schools across South Africa. The project has focused primarily on the most needy schools in the more disadvantaged areas. The first schools to receive the science labs were in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape.
These science labs are mobile, meaning that teachers can move them from classroom to classroom as and when they require, making the effective teaching and learning of science possible.
Another important element of this project is the opportunity it has afforded for training and people empowerment. Teachers in the schools involved in this project have been trained to use the science labs to their utmost capacity.
“Through the training that this project provides we are contributing to the skills pool of teachers, who play such a significant role in the development of future generations,” says Tisani.
To date Coca-Cola has invested R3-million in the evolution and development of the mobile science lab project. Plans are currently under way to further these efforts.
“Since this project’s inception we have assisted in growing the skills base of both learners and teachers as well as creating job opportunities for suppliers to this project. We embarked on this venture because we believe in consistently shaping our business decisions to improve the quality in the communities in which we do business,” says Tisani.
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, November 2001.