The Giyani Science Centre
Situated in the Limpopo Province, one of South Africa's most deprived areas, the Giyani Science Centre aims to improve understanding of maths, science and ICT by offering its computer and lab facilities to local schools. Staff are determined to offer levels of science education only dreamed of under apartheid; the sign outside the Centre challenges all who enter:
"Prepare to be changed if you pass this sign."
School classes are bussed in to the Centre to make use of its labs and computers, while two mobile labs travel to outlying areas to run workshops. The labs are equipped with computers, televisions and generators, and each visits up to 20 schools a month, covering a radius of 100km.
As well as schoolchildren, the Centre serves a wide community of young and old, all eager to access technology and training only recently made available to them.
Canon Collins Trust has supported the Giyani Science Centre since 1993, during which time it has expanded both the facilities on offer and the geographical area served. Over the years we have funded new buildings and labs, as well as the postgraduate education of seven members of staff.
Canon Collins Trust is currently a partner in Giyani's Information and Communications Technology Support project, an ambitious and innovative project which has put computer labs in 19 local schools. More on the ICT Project.
