Prince Edward pays visit to UJ science centre

23 May 2016 - 20:24 By Shenaaz Jamal

Prince Edward of the British Royal family visited the University of the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus on Monday to look at the progress made by the science centre to the greater public since its launch six years ago. The centre that was opened as part of a partnership between the South African Institute of Physics and the United Kingdom Institute of Physics‚ has benefited over 1‚000 learners and 600 school teachers in Soweto and surrounding areas.Speaking to the media‚ British High commissioner Judith McGregor said: “The science centre is an opportunity for the learners and also the teachers to better teach their pupils. It’s about encouraging and improving education in South Africa.”Head of the centre Sam Ramaila said the centre prepares learners for the challenges associated with university studies.“University lecturers and tutors noticed that some learners are academically not well prepared for university. Many of the schools in Soweto do not have laboratories where learners can do practical experiments‚” says Dr Ramaila.The centre is open to school learners on Fridays and Saturdays with dedicated tutors and teachers that oversee practical experiments and conduct one on one sessions with learners in key subjects.Speaking to TMG Digital‚ grade ten learner Regomoditswe Moepeng who wants to study zoology said the centre made it easy for him to access the technology and equipment needed to better his science and technology grades.“If the centre didn’t exist it would mean travelling long distances to other schools in order to get these types of facilities because our school is financially unable to get this equipment we always have to use the ones from neighbouring schools‚” said Moepeng.Prince Edward‚ a youth empowerment ambassador‚ interacted and exchanged pleasantries with learners and teachers from surrounding schools in Soweto who benefited from the centre.TMG Digital/The Times..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.