Author: Glynis Prince
Date: 15 February 2022

The National Department of Basic Education held the provincial LAMAP Orientation Project focusing on science on Thursday 10 February 2022 at the Mandla Makupula Leadership Institute in East London.

The event was attended by Deputy Director General (DDG) Curriculum Management Mr Ray Tywakadi, Department of Basic Education (DBE) Director of Teacher Development, Mr Philip Dikgomo, Senior officials from the department as well as principals and science teachers of the selected schools.

The enquiry-based science education project in collaboration with the French Embassy is a pilot project which started in Gauteng, thereafter, expanding to other provinces. A total number of 10 schools within the Eastern Cape, Buffalo City Metro (BCM) district were selected to participate in the project. The schools within the BCM District included:

  • AW Barnes Primary, St Johns Road Primary, Phakamisa Primary, Noxolo Primary, Masikhanyise Primary, Jubisa Primary, Nkwezana Primary, Masakhe Primary, Langelitsha Primary; and Nontombi Matta Primary

Mr Dikgomo said that two science kits had been procured and delivered to schools and that training programmes on how to make use of the science kits started on 8 January 2022.  

Follow-up training is set to take place in July 2022

Other planned activities include an official visit by two officials from LAMAP France. Mr Dikgomo added that the kits would be instrumental in enhancing teaching and learning in class.

The kits consist of three components namely: chemistry, physics and technology

Science teacher, Ms Samantha Williams from St Johns Road Primary School, said that this initiative would benefit learners with having a basis of conducting experiments, showing them how to do it and what it entails.

This would aid them as they progress to high school, providing them with the necessary knowledge and basics, while developing a love and interest in science with the view of pursuing a career in the fields of science and technology.