Dikgatlong High School in the Northern Cape has been in existence for 23 years and has more than 600 learners. The school however never had an operational science laboratory – until AfriSam stepped in.
The cement producer ensured this underprivileged school has a fully functional science laboratory which in fact now makes Dikgatlong the only high school of its level in the area that can offer a properly equipped laboratory.
Hardie de Beer, General Manager at AfriSam said: “AfriSam is very passionate about educational programmes as we view proper education as the backbone of a prosperous country. When we received a request from the school that it required assistance with a science laboratory, we saw an opportunity to contribute to making our children fall in love with science again.”
The lack of chemicals and equipment in the old laboratory made the teaching of subjects such as Physical Science and Life Science a tedious process.
Vincent Moya, a Grade 12 learner at the school said: “Having to try and imagine all the chemical reactions mentioned in the textbook was difficult. Now that we have a science lab, it will make things much easier.”
Kamogelo Raadt, a Grade 11 learner at the school said: “My ambition is to go to medical school after matric. Having the science lab is very exciting because it will help me to improve my marks for a university admission.”
“In order to ensure we have a fully functioning facility, we supplied the required equipment and chemicals and also replaced the water system to the laboratory. To aide effective and efficient learning, AfriSam furthermore supplied two laptops, installed two overhead projectors and the required screens. We also bought new desks and chairs, replacing the old double combination desks which were not conducive for group discussions. As the safekeeping of the chemicals is key, a security gate was also fitted to the storeroom” added Hardie de Beer.
To implement this project, AfriSam appointed a few local businesses to help with some of the renovations such as painting the laboratory rooms, fixing broken windows and installing stone guards on windows for enhanced security. AfriSam is delighted to have finally completed the project.
Peter Malefane, head of the science and maths department at Dikgatlong, said that having the proper equipment and chemicals for the laboratory now means that the school’s pass rate will increase dramatically. This will lead to a higher number of new learner admissions who will want to attend the school.
“We are very grateful to AfriSam for giving our learners the opportunity to excel in science. Both the teachers and the members of the school governing body are very excited about it. Thank you, AfriSam,” said Malefane.
