CPUT and ASEZCo ignite Maths and Science in Atlantis

Parents and teachers of learners from five schools in Atlantis and numerous guests joined CPUT and ASEZCo in their Atlantis Special Economic Zone STEAM Project certificate award ceremony and competition event held in Saxonsea Secondary School recently.

The CPUT and ASEZCo have joined forces to ignite a passion for Maths and Science among the youth in Atlantis. This collaborative initiative aimed to foster innovation and offer tailored support for about 40 Atlantis youth with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) extra curriculum education. The learning interventions included but is not limited to Entry Level Electronics; Introduction to Programming; Physical Computing; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Grade 8 learners. The STEAM project provided hands-on learning opportunities that promote creativity, motivate discovery, and increase knowledge retention alike.

• The objectives of the STEAM interventions were to:
• Challenge learners to think critically.
• Motivate learners to be attracted to STEAM careers.
• Enable learners to integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge to solve problems.
• Promote a learn-by-doing approach.
• Enable learners to participate in real-world projects.
• Give an opportunity to basic education learners to learn from each other, across different schools, while taking an active role in the development of emerging technology and groundbreaking research; and
• Make STEAM attractive to basic education learners, so that the learners can continue doing STEAM until Matric.

In the closing ceremony the learners showcased their Robotics skills with a friendly competition. Four teams competed against each other in a quest to be the STEAM champions of Atlantis. ASEZco Business Development Executive, Jarrod Lyons, provided an overview of ASEZ and the STEAM programme, and said his company was committed to real and impactful change in the community. “This change will be brought by ASEZco’s ability to contribute to an enabling ecosystem, which requires skills and enterprise development at its heart.”

Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor,gave an overview of CPUT and the CPUT STEM programme. Hay-Swemmer, also paid special tribute to the Advancement Department for their sterling job in making the project a success. “I am so proud of you, and I am so proud to be your line manager, and to see the work that you’re doing and the legacies that you’re leaving behind. Staff from the Centre for Civil Engagement and Community Service, whenever there is something that we want them to do within the communities, they’re just there. And they are absolutely fantastic people to work with.”

She continued: “This is indeed a very very special afternoon.”

Addressing the learners, Hay-Swemmer said: “My message is simple here this afternoon, you can do it, you’ve already done it. Don’t’ settle for less in your life. The sky is really the limit if there is a limit or ceiling on you. Whatever you dream and think of and desire through hard work, be surrounded by positive people, people that will build you, it’s possible… Don’t give up on your dreams…You are good, you are bright enough and you’re smart enough. Well-done to everyone here and also to the parents. CPUT is proud to be associated with all of you and we are going to take a keen interest to see where life is going take you.”

Prof Bennett Alaxander, Deputy Dean: Faculty of Informatics and Design, also gave an overview of the IT industry (from learning to work/business) for young people. Meanwhile Prof

Andile Mji Dean, Faculty of Education, CPUT gave an overview of the Education sector, urging parents to encourage their children to choose Maths and Science as subjects of choice and discouraged them in taking Maths Literacy as their choice.

Chanelle September, project beneficiary, said: “I would like to thank you for this opportunity and thank you to everyone for making this project a success. This has really been a great experience. During these past few months we as the STEAM, we have learned a lot from extraordinary people.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za