June 2022.

A newly equipped science lab has enriched the learning experience at Loeriesfontein Primary School for learners in grades 4 to 7. As part of their goal to further support and improve STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the Northern Cape, Loeriesfontein Wind Farm has provided funding to enhance laboratory experience and improved learning of science content.

“Through this support, we hope to encourage learners to develop a greater interest in science at the early stages of their educational careers. The lab equipment will enrich the science teaching sessions, adding valuable skills to the development of each learner and helping them to prepare for opportunities as the next generation of engineers, medical professionals, and scientists,” said Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm.

Although Natural Science is taught as a subject, learning, and understanding science requires hands-on experience with real-world objects and materials, thus the need for equipment to resource the science lab was identified.

Loeriesfontein Primary School Principal, Joline Klaaste, said, “With the help of the wind farm, learners are more motivated in the Natural Science class, because they can do practical experiments now and can understand the learning content much better.”

The support benefits 198 learners and includes two teacher resource kits, as well as ten technology kits. This equipment will allow learners to interact directly with the data gathered and get first-hand learning experience by performing various experiments on their own.

Education is a key focus area for the wind farm’s socio-economic development programmes, especially Maths and Science. “We are particularly supportive of STEM education and would like to see many students considering engineering as a profession going forward, with a particular interest in the renewable sector,” concluded Fredericks.