Idea to Product Labs spring up in township schools
Idea to Product Labs spring up in township schools
Idea 2 Product (I2P) Lab launch at Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School and Lebohang Secondary School.
Selina Rapulane
This has been a very fruitful year for the Idea 2 Product (I2P) Lab which opened further two labs at townships schools earlier this month.
In April they launched their 12P Lab at Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School and Lebohang Secondary School based in Sharpeville. On 2 November, the department made a difference at yet another two schools, these ones based in Sebokeng.
The launches of the two labs took place first at Sizanani-Thusanang Comprehensive School and then Thuto-Tiro Comprehensive School with Mr Zacharia Moalahi: HOD I2P/Fablab directing the day’s programmes.
He called upon the principals of the schools, Mr Wandile Mbola from Sizanani and Mr Jeff Kumalo from Thuto-Tiro to welcome guests. Though their speeches were different speeches, one sentiment was the same: they were both very happy that their schools will be given this opportunity. Both schools will benefit from improved teaching and learning and will be part of the future of 3D printing.
Mr Moalahi then called upon Dr Joseph Molete: Executive Director at the Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUTSGSTP) to share the impact of the Science Park on the community at large. Ms Grace Baloyi: Programme Manager: Tech Stations at The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), was also called to the stage to share the impact such an initiative will have on the schools.
Mr Willem Goodchild: Engineering Graphic and Design (EGD) Subject Advisor from the Department of Education also shared the impact of the initiative on the curriculum and its benefits to learners.
The moment that everyone had long been waiting for arrived at last and there was a lot of cheering and whistling from learners, teachers and guests as the ribbons were cut to officially launch the I2P Labs at the two schools.
Mr Mafika Phangela: EGD Educator at Sizanani Thusanang gave the vote of thanks there while at Thuto -Tiro Comprehensive School, the honours were done by Mr Simon Mohlokoane: the school’s Deputy Principal.
After the programme, a few selected learners and their teachers as well as delegates, proceeded to the I2P Labs where the 2P Lab team gave a mini training session on 3D design and 3D printing.