EASTERN CAPE - NEW MULTI-MILLION RAND SCIENCE CENTER TO EXPOSE RURAL AREAS TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Plans are underway to build a multi-million rand Science Centre at Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. This, in a bid to create a conducive and efficient learning and teaching environment of science in rural areas.

The centre is expected to cater for over 20 high schools in Cofimvaba and neighbouring districts.

The construction of the centre is a partnership between government and the private sector to see how science and technology can be used to improve learning in rural areas.

It forms part of the Technology for Rural Education and Development project. The Human Science Research Council has been appointed to monitor and evaluate the project.

Minister Naledi Pandor says the aim is to change the learning experience for rural learners and expose them to the science field.

"It's going to offer a new horizon and spectrum for young people, to teachers and the community. Access to science is going to be an energy efficient building that will be very innovative, opening opportunities for new careers in science, technology and engineering to the young people of this province."

"So I'm absolutely thrilled that we are able to build a science centre here in Cofimvaba and ensure that young people even in the deepest of rural areas have access to science, technology and innovation."

Learners say the centre will be of good use to them. "Most people who are doing science are only white, coloureds and Indians so I want to be that Black person who is on the spot light who's doing science."

Cofimvaba Senior Secondary principal, Noxolo Sabatha, says the centre will bring the practical element and improve learning outcomes in the science subject.

"No more will science be ever a theory issue now. It will be more practical. We are looking forward to get more scientist, pharmacists and doctors because there's an old saying which says when they don't see they forget, but when they see it and touch it then they remember."

It is expected to be completed in December and start operating in March 2017. The building is expected to be eco-friendly, produce its own energy and harvest its own water.