• 10 Oct 2024
  • Education for the Future of Work

Revolutionizing STEM and Early Childhood Education: 100 Years of Ford South Africa

The Ntshenthse Preschool in Eastern Cape, South Africa struggled with a fragile mud structure for decades. After every rainfall, Phunyezwa Vane, the school's principal, found herself repairing the crumbling facade by hand. With Ford Philanthropy's support, a new, sturdy early childhood development center was built in its place, bringing her a deep sense of relief. "It's given the children a safe space to learn, and I no longer worry about the next storm," Phunyezwa says.

One story building with corrugated metal roof. The left doorway, two windows and two pillars are bright blue, a person stands camera left of the first of two yellow pillars with a centered yellow doorframe, a third doorway then two windows and two pillars are light lime green on the right end of the building. Behind the school building are sparsely scattered buildings with fenced areas and a few trees.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary last year, Ford South Africa partnered with the Department of Basic Education, Maersk South Africa, and the Gift of the Givers Foundation to build 100 math and science labs, and with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to create 100 ECDs, like the Ntshenthse Preschool. To date, all 100 math and science labs have been delivered and 30 ECDs have been built, touching the lives of nearly 2,000 children across the country.

 

"Education is the heart of economic upliftment here, and math and science are key drivers of innovation in our communities," says Minesh Bhagaloo, Ford South Africa's Communications General Manager.

Four children wearing red and blue coats sit at table playing with various colored building blocks. Legs of three adults are visible while a fourth wearing a black coat with Ford embroidered on the left side bends down to talk with the children.

Building Dignified Learning Environments

 

In South Africa, only about 19 percent of public schools have science laboratories, so this initiative is sparking interest in STEM education by providing upgraded facilities for hands-on learning. Women and community members have embraced the new ECDs, boosting enrollment and optimism.

 

The new labs and centers have also renewed educators' passion for teaching, inspiring them to explore new learning opportunities. Just weeks after the labs were delivered, teachers from all participating schools successfully trained online to implement the new equipment in their classrooms, using laptops donated by Ford.

 

"Seeing the joy from students and teachers when the labs arrived made me proud to help improve our education system," Minesh shared. "It's been fulfilling to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative, knowing it will create a sustainable impact for future generations," he continued.

 

Next up, they're heading to the Northern Cape, followed by the Western and Eastern Cape, with more schools set to receive these transformative spaces.

Side view of the school building with children’s shoes lined up against the building on the porch and the end emblazoned with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Ford logs.