As part of an ongoing programme that aims to assist under-resourced educational institutions and encourage learning in mathematics, science and technology, Siemens Southern Africa has equipped three Tembisa primary schools with a total of twenty ‘Discovery’ boxes, a complete educational concept that includes experiment sets on ‘Energy and Electricity’ and ‘Environment and Health’ as well as a DVD with instructions for teachers.
Emily Molefe, Corporate Social Responsibility manager at Siemens Southern Africa, says the key to enable learners to successfully master mathematics and science later in life lies in exposing them to these increasingly complex subjects as early as possible in their school career, and presenting the material in a practical and exciting manner.
“This is not text-book learning, but rather a practical and fun way of giving children their first experience of scientific and technical phenomena, which even the very small already find highly interesting,” she says. “The child-friendly, fun experiments in the Discovery boxes make science real and are thus an important element of early childhood education.”
The three recipient primary schools, Endulwini, Entshonalanga and Tlamatlama, all act as feeder schools to Ingqayizivele High, the Siemens partner school selected as part of the multinational’s Generation 21 educational program for preschools, schools and universities in over 50 countries.
Molefe says that as a knowledge-based company, Siemens aims to encourage the next generation to investigate the world around them starting at a young age, and the ‘Discovery’ boxes allow children to have fun finding out all about a variety of exciting everyday scientific phenomena as the kits have all the equipment necessary for exploring water, air, color, sound and electricity.
“Early science education by means of experiment kits is an important part of Siemens’ global commitment is to interest young people in science and technology,” she says. “In this way we are meeting our responsibilities and fulfilling our obligations as a good corporate citizen as education is a prerequisite for the cohesion and successful development of society.”
This is Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics. The company has around 400,000 employees (continuing operations) working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of services for individual requirements. Siemens provides innovative technologies and comprehensive know-how to benefit customers in some 190 countries. Founded 160 years ago, the company focuses on the areas of Information and Communications, Automation and Control, Power, Transportation, Medical, and Lighting. In fiscal 2007 (ended September 30), Siemens had revenue from continuing operations of €72.4 billion and net income from continuing operations of €3.909 billion (IFRS) – preliminary figures, unaudited. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com
About Siemens Southern Africa:
Siemens has had a presence in South Africa since 1860 when the company installed the first telegraph line linking Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Today, Siemens offers a balanced portfolio of technologies focusing on the Industry, Energy and Healthcare sectors, together with the cross-sector business of Siemens IT Solutions and Services. The unique ability to offer horizontal, customised, end-to-end technology solutions enables Siemens to keep its customers one-step ahead. As a committed corporate citizen, Siemens has active corporate social investment programmes as well as a comprehensive approach to local content, manpower development, skills and training. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.co.za