Easter Peak Primary School launches state-of-the-art science lab to fuel curiosity

Easter Peak Primary School is buzzing with excitement after the launch of its brand new science laboratory — a state-of-the-art facility worth more than R1 million, which promises to spark curiosity and fuel young minds.

The school, based in Manenberg, is one of three to benefit from this initiative, alongside Intshayelelo in Khayelitsha and Edendale, also in Manenberg.

Department of Education officials, representatives from the Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Advancing Knowledge (AK) NPC, as well as school staff and members of the school governing body, gathered at the unveiling on Thursday, August 28.

Donated by the Garden Cities Archway Foundation, the science laboratory is fully equipped with chemicals and apparatus for practical learning. The lab features six workstations, each capable of accommodating eight pupils, with ample resources for hands-on experiments.

Western Cape Education circuit manager Andrew Windvogel thanked the stakeholders who came together to create a conducive learning environment for the children. He emphasised the need for such collaborations, particularly in areas like Manenberg, where there had been a notable decline in interest in math and science subjects.

“Thank you for creating such an environment for our children. This is an opportunity to open up doors for them. This will drive science in Manenberg. As a province, we consistently deliver excellent maths and science students. This is a significant investment that will enable us to produce successful students,” he said. 

Mr Windvogel called on the teachers to encourage the pupils to make use of the lab, saying that pupils should not rely solely on textbooks but engage in practical experiences.

“They should protect the lab. We appreciate what the donors have done here -  they are making a difference for our children. We should also thank the principal for supporting this venture. We know it is not easy teaching in Manenberg, but he has persevered,” he added.

John Matthews, CEO of the Garden Cities Archway Foundation, said this lab is the 121st in the Western Cape since their initiative began. He mentioned that four more laboratories were set to be unveiled this year.

“It is critical that we provide all our children with equal opportunities. We need to equip them with the tools necessary for success. The issue of levelling the playing fields is vital. We cannot expect our youth to thrive if we do not provide them with proper resources,” he said.

Everyone agreed that the lab would enhance the school’s STEM subjects. AK NPC Director Professor Shaheed Hartley spoke on the importance of fostering creativity and curiosity in pupils. He said the lab's purpose was to bridge classroom learning with real-life applications. “We want teachers to help children understand that science is relevant. It is about connecting what they learn in class with real-world scenarios. Our training programmes are designed for teachers to build a culture of science learning,” said Professor Hartley.

AK NPC is an outreach, support, training, and research organisation focused on STEM education.

Mr Ebrahim Joseph, a teacher, believes the lab will benefit pupils from disadvantaged communities. He emphasised the importance of providing pupils with access to modern facilities to inspire their academic pursuits and contribute to community development.

“We have been eagerly waiting for this lab, and now we have full access to proper equipment. Our children will learn how to make careful experimental observations and draw conclusions from data.”