A group of 19 practitioners of early childhood development (ECD) centres in Boshof have completed a basic training programme on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem). The programme is part of addressing South Africa’s shortage of skilled persons in engineering and information and communications technology (ICT).
Training more women in Stem has been identified as fundamental in addressing South Africa’s enormous ICT skills gap and equipping children with critical thinking skills at an early age. Training was provided by the Maths and Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) and Boshof Solar Power, with the aim of incorporating mathematics and science fundamentals into learning from an early age, and not only at high school level. While phase one focused on the Gr. RR and Gr. R groups, to bolster the foundation years, phase two of the programme targeted educators from Gr. 1 to Gr. 3. Trainees included three subject advisors from three schools in Boshof.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with both the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, and the training was facilitated by Lasec Education. It is an extension of the education partnership started in 2015.
Amelia Mofokeng, chief education specialist for curriculum management at ECD centres and primary schools, said the programme would be fundamental in addressing the challenges experienced with Stem.
“We believe that learners will become curious and want to know more when exposed to Stem concepts,” said Mofokeng.
“A questioning and enquiring mind is encouraged, which will enhance learning. We hope that the attitude of learners towards the subjects will be very positive and they will want to continue doing the subjects in the future.”
“All the teaching aids and apparatus provided played a vital role in opening a new world to me in the classroom,” said Vuyelwa Hester Mhlaba, Gr. 2 educator at the Boshof Primary School.
“I will be using the beads and laces, abacus and pegboards for revision and intervention next term, as it will help with patterns, shapes and counting. The geoboard will assist in revising doubling and halving, as well as fractions. We will also use the clock to revise time.”
Zuki Ndlela, economic development officer of Boshof Solar Power, explained the motivation for the entity’s involvement.
“We would like to stimulate an interest in maths and science concepts from as young an age as possible.
“We have noticed when it comes to subject choice in Gr. 10 very few learners choose these subjects for matric. We believe including these subjects until matric will boost employment opportunities, with our dream being to see a Boshof learner as an engineer and working at our solar plant.”
