Split Second Science Education Foundation, with support from the Lesedi Solar Park Trust, has introduced a new robotics programme in the Northern Cape, garnering excitement from learners, principals and facilitators. The pilot began with four schools (Assmang Primary School, HTT Bidi Memorial Primary School, Refentse Primary School, and Danielskuil Intermediate School) hosting weekly coding and robotics sessions. As the facilitators gain confidence and knowledge, they will expand the programme into other grades and across the curriculum.
The long-term goal is to create a STEM education pipeline that will prepare under-resourced schools for the 4th Industrial Revolution. The programme also aims to increase the number of matriculants who take Maths and Sciences to create high-potential candidates for bursary and career options.
Gordon Rooibaadjie, Robotics Facilitator at Danielskuil Intermediate School expressed his excitement about the programme, saying “I was nervous before the programme because I watched videos on Youtube about coding and robotics which looked difficult. But I have seen that this is not so difficult. I can see now how closely maths and robotics are linked. I am really excited about this programme and what it will do for the learners”