Two cars for Univen Vuwani Science Resource Centre

Rural learners in the Vhembe District will now be able to access the latest scientific laboratories, thanks to Nissan South Africa.

Nissan SA handed over two vehicles to the University of Venda for use at its Vuwani Science Resource Centre a fortnight ago. This follows an earlier funding this year of R1.3 million to enhance the provision of maths and science programmes, which Univen offers through the science centre to neighbouring rural schools that have little or no maths and science infrastructure.

The official handing over took place at the university's administration offices last week when Nissan SA's general manager of group corporate affairs and communication, Pat Senne, handed over a Tiida 1.6 Visia and an NP300 Hardbody 2.4l to Univen's vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Peter Mbati.

The Tiida is to be used as a staff vehicle to ferry lecturers from the main Univen campus in Thohoyandou to the science centre, while the Hardbody has been reconfigured to accommodate a mobile science and maths laboratory, which will conduct classes on site during visits to neighbouring schools.

"In a rural area like Venda, we believe our vehicles will make a huge difference to the lives of aspirant learners who are not able to attend the science centre because of a lack of resources," said Senne in handing over the keys to both vehicles. "Taking maths and science to the surrounding schools will ensure that all children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential in maths and science."

Annually, around 3 000 children attend the science centre, which boasts a 70 to 80 % success rate, with many students taking further studies in maths- and science-related subjects at universities and technikons. The science centre accommodates four laboratories which enhance learning in physics, biology and computer literacy. This learning environment is now boosted with the addition of similar facilities aboard the mobile laboratory.

Apart from enabling the purchase of the vehicles and mobile laboratory equipment, Nissan SA's funding is also being used to upgrade the maths and teaching skills of school educators, especially given the challenges presented with the introduction of the new school curriculum. They will receive coaching from the science centre staff comprising around eight Univen lecturers, who assist on an ad hoc basis, and volunteers and interns from the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Science Centre head Professor Vaith Sankaran was over the moon and delighted at the injection of funds to assist the educational resource.