4ir Stream laboratory opens at Heatherlands High School
29 July 2021
The Sakhikamva Foundation has opened a 4iR STREAM laboratory at Heatherlands High School in the Garden Route hub of George thanks to sponsorship by project partner, Software AG.
STREAM education, which is an acronym for Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, focuses on enabling children to develop competencies which are at the fore in the 21st Century, such as complex problem solving, coordinating with others, critical thinking and creativity. With the opening of the Heatherlands High 4iR STREAM laboratory, learners will enter an exciting world of drones, 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Kholiwe Makhohliso, Country Managing Director for Software AG South Africa said the world of work is changing rapidly. “The top 10 jobs of today will be different in just two years’ time. We must prepare children by giving them the knowledge and skills to live up to their potential in the 4iR context.”
Karen Dudley, Director: Curriculum Development: General Education and Training at the Western Cape Education Department expressed delight at the fantastic educational programme with its exceptional resources. “Learners and their educators are going to be able to have a hands-on learning experience that we hope will ignite new appreciation and passion for Maths, Science and Technology in this under-served community.”
The Heatherlands High STREAM laboratory includes tablets and drones as well as AI, robotics and app-making kits so that learners get to discover and experiment with the technologies that are currently re-shaping our world. The facility includes a 4iR classroom as well as a drone laboratory. Drone technology has much potential in George and its surrounds where there’s extensive coastline and significant agricultural activity.
Principal of Heatherlands High, Salomo Moses, said, “We look forward to introducing our Grade 8 and 9 learners to this new program which will take them beyond the classroom to explore the fields of coding and robotics, and much more. The 4iR STREAM lab will also foster opportunities for teamwork and developing leadership, communication, creative and design skills. With the opening of the lab, our school has taken a giant leap in providing a 4iR education where our learners can one day compete for the new types of jobs and be successful in the digital economy.”
The Sakhikamva Foundation has previously opened STREAM labs in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Goodwood College and Silverlea Primary in Cape Town. Through STREAM laboratories and many other STEM enrichment programmes and activities, the organisation has engaged with more than 150 000 learners across the country.
Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, forensic scientist and pilot, Fatima Jakoet said, “We welcome Heatherlands High and its school community into our family. We will be supporting and training teachers in STREAM philosophy and teaching methodologies so that they can expertly guide their learners through amazing 21st Century learning experiences. The school’s 4iR STREAM laboratory is a new community space for real 4iR skills development in George, fully equipped with tech and connectivity, to empower learners to develop as the leaders, innovators, change agents and problem-solvers in their community.”
