Athlone High School pupils visit Heart of Cape Town Museum

Learners from Athlone High School (Grade 11), getting to know Louis Washkansky the recipient of the world’s first heart transplant in 1967. Photo by Craig Wilson.

During an interactive tour led by Christine Heydenrych, learners had the opportunity to relive the history of the world's first heart transplant led by Professor Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967. Life-size models of the historic figures have carefully been placed within the museum bringing the history of the 1967 events to life.

Peninsula Beverage Company (PenBev), the local bottler of The Coca-Cola Company's products in the Western and Northern Cape have formed synergies with the Heart of Cape Town Museum to sponsor learners from disadvantaged areas with the opportunity to visit the museum and to learn more about this important South African historical event.

Encouraging learners to pursue medical profession

Heydenrych said, "I hope that through these school visits, our learners are encouraged and motivated to pursue a career in science and the medical profession. The medical arena has so many opportunities available, long gone are the days of only having the option of becoming either a doctor or nurse."

Denise Green, corporate social investment manager at PenBev says, "We are excited about the partnership. Educating the youth about South Africa's contribution to the medical profession is important, and this is a great way to make history fun. Who knows, one such school visit may just make the difference to inspire a learner to pursue a medical profession and to also make a difference to the world's medical profession."

For more information on the Heart of Cape Town Museum and tours, go to www.heartofcapetown.co.za.