The kits were presented to principals of the schools at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Circle of Excellence Awards held at Coastlands Hotel.

“Willowton Group aim, through the donation of science kits, to increase the number of learners graduating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” says Farouk Moosa, executive director at Willowton Group. “With the right tools learners are given the chance after graduation to succeed at their studies.”

Willowton Group has been donating science and maths kits to schools in KwaZulu-Natal for the past three years. The science kits are equipped for practical experiments for grades 10 to 12 and bring to life the theory taught in schools as learners perform the experiments.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its 2016 Global Information Technology Report, which ranked South Africa last in mathematics and science education quality. South Africa also finished close to last – 137 out of 139 countries – when looking at the overall quality of its education system.

The Circle of Excellence Awards serves to recognise and honour the top performing schools in the uMlazi District in various categories including maths, physical science and accounting.

“These science kits give learners greater exposure to the practical side of science, resulting in a higher level of education,” continues Moosa. “It is imperative that corporate business assist learners throughout South Africa by donating equipment required at schools for key learning in subjects such as science and mathematics.”

The donations, which were made to the top three performing science schools as well as the most improved school in science, will cover the FET physical sciences curriculum for Grades 10 to 12. The topics covered include mechanics - waves, sound and light - matter and material as well as chemical change. The kits are valued at R100 000 and contain all the necessary chemicals for the experiments, and are housed in a lockable metal cabinet with topic trays. They also come complete with a teacher’s guide and learner worksheets.

For more information, visit www.willowtongroup.com.