WCED delivers science kits to poorer schools

"In the New Year, 217 quintile one schools will receive a Natural Sciences kit in a mobile trolley unit," he said, adding that the units aim to support and improve "teaching and learning of science in our poorer schools in the intermediate phase."

According to Grant, the WCED aims to increase the number of learners taking subjects like mathematics and physical science and - hopefully - improve the quality of passes in these subjects. Providing young learners with the equipment and tools they need in order to engage with the practical application of science is imperative, Grant says, if they are to grow their interest in the subject and opt to take subjects like mathematics and physical science. Each of the 217 schools will receive a steel cabinet on a mobile trolley which contains a variety of items such as glass beakers, gas burners, tubes, evaporating dishes, funnels and boiling flasks.

Each kit costs over R13 000 and the total cost of the project is R2.9 million, Grant said, adding that WCED curriculum advisors will provide training for educators on how to use the equipment and how to conduct various experiments in line with the curriculum, using the necessary safety precautions. In addition to the packs, the WCED will deliver school bags and stationary at a cost of R3.2 million. "Each school bag will contain writing books, pencils, crayons, rulers, etc., and for Grade threes, a dictionary," he said.

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