The community engagement sector in UKZN’s School of Education has extended its partnership with the Science-for- the-Future (S4F) programme until the end of next year. S4F, a joint South African universities’ project initiated by the University of the Free State, is funded by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL).1

As part of the programme, Grade 8 and 9 natural sciences teachers have been attending quarterly workshops on Key Concepts in Science. The workshops focus on strands in the Natural Sciences curriculum such as matter and materials, energy and change, and earth and beyond.

The programme is coordinated by Academic Leader for Community Engagement in UKZN’s School of Education Dr Angela James, while the workshops are facilitated by lecturers in the Science and Technology Education Cluster Mr Bongani Ndlovu, Ms Mary-Anne Good, Dr Doras Sibanda and Dr Lebala Kolobe as well as the student administrator, Ms Caitlin Govender.

Said Kolobe: ‘The teachers have really livened up the Science Education spaces. Soldier on teachers, the sky is the limit.’

A Teacher Certificate Celebration was held recently for those who had completed the programme. One of the teacher participants, Ms Resham Juguth, said: ‘Thank you so much to the team from UKZN for this amazing experience. I am so grateful to be part of this programme.’

James added: ‘We are so elated and inspired by all the work that the teachers have done even though there is a pandemic. It is not just about the work – it is also the energy, spirit and commitment, skills and knowledge and the type of work that is being done with learners in the schools. Many thanks to the programme facilitators for the great collegial spirit and commitment to the programme.’

James believes that Community Engagement in the School of Education is living up to its tagline of: In Engaging with Communities, We All Grow – How Can We Grow With You?

Discussions and plans are in progress with the Natural Sciences Subject Advisor for the selection of 25 natural sciences teachers for the new group this year.