The Anglo American Science, Career Guidance and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Resource Centre in eMalahleni has engaged, entertained and inspired no less than 34,000 young people since its inception in 2010.
The R19 million facility – launched in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the National Department of Basic Education and the Eskom, MTN and Vodacom Foundations – provides young people with vital information on subject and job requirements in the world of work. It also nurtures a passion for the sciences and ICT, and provides access to a range of computer courses through which they can gain fully accredited qualifications and, subsequently, employment.
“We host around 400 learners, teachers and out of school youths every month, and while most live in and around Nkgangala, some represent schools from as far afield as Limpopo, Bushbuckridge, Barberton and Mbombela. We’ve even had guests from the United States, Japan, Australia and Chile,” says centre manager Jeff Makopole.
The facility meets several pressing challenges – one of them a lack of adequate career guidance at rural and township schools. Without such guidance, young people often leave school with only a vague knowledge of employment opportunities, and have little insight into the most appropriate career direction for their abilities and interests. Many undertake tertiary education irrespective of suitability, which often makes them unhappy in their future careers.
“We provide information on literally hundreds of career options, while computer-based diagnostic assessments match their competencies and personalities with the most suitable career options for them,” says Jeff.
Passion for science
Science is different from any other subject as to understand its concepts, you have to look beyond the books and conventional classroom teaching. In short, you need to really experience it.
“At the laboratory, learners are able to conduct both curriculum-prescribed and fun experiments using high-tech equipment and exciting and interactive exhibits,” says Jeff, explaining this gives learners hands-on experience. At the same time, educators are provided with support to improve their competencies in the teaching of this critical subject.
The Vodacom ICT Resource Centre occupies the second floor of the extensive facility, and offers 50 computers, educational aids and models, Internet connectivity, educational content and training for centre managers and subject advisors.
As part of their commitment to the Mobile Education Programme, Microsoft and Cisco provide training at a minimal fee to members of the community, while some receive stipends from Vodacom and the Independent Development Trust as they complete courses ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced computing, incorporating both software and hardware.
The centre, which is run by experienced staff from the Department of Education, has introduced several new initiatives since its grand opening seven years ago. These include an ICT-focused educator enrichment programme in partnership with Wits University and the department, a mobile laboratory for schools situated in outlying locations, and a Microsoft course for educators.