Penreach recently hosted a science week event that included eager school pupils and the greater public, the event inspired thousands of new scientific minds.
South Africa (18 August 2023) – Penreach, a leading educational NGO, recently successfully hosted National Science Week.
Under the theme “Transforming Lives Through Evidence-Based Science,” this remarkable event brought science to life for an audience close to 40 000. This week-long event, that ran from 31 July – 5 Aug provided a platform for scholars, Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners, teachers, ECD practitioners and the general public to engage with interactive and educational activities. The event also reached a global audience through social media channels.
The focal point of this year’s National Science Week was the empowerment of individuals through evidence-based science. Penreach recognises that science is not only a realm of knowledge but a powerful tool to effect positive change in society. The theme underscored the importance of informed decision-making and the impact of science on our everyday lives.
The event is aimed at fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) not only among learners of all ages, but also the broader public. It provides a unique opportunity for attendees, who most of the time do not have access to proper resources, to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, sparking curiosity and promoting a deeper understanding of various scientific disciplines.
With more than 15 exhibitors stationed at the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre, visitors had the chance to participate in a diverse range of activities and engage with experts across various fields, fostering a sense of curiosity and a deeper understanding of science and technology. Some of these exhibitors included The South African Weather Service, South African Air Force, Volkswagen, South African National Biodiversity Institute, The Agricultural Research Council and many more.
Visitors were furthermore able to explore and interact with a dynamic in-house line-up of activities including coding and robotics, science shows, STEAM- as well as indigenous games.
To ensure no one is left behind, Penreach successfully engaged the wider public too, by rolling out a dynamic array of activities in neighbouring communities such as Kabokweni and Lekazi, through our Mobile Science Labs, also known as Penreach BayLabs. This allowed residents to witness the wonders of science on their doorstep. The initiative garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, as individuals of all ages eagerly participated.
“We are thrilled to have created an immersive environment where evidence-based science takes center stage, inspiring young minds and fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery. National Science Week encapsulates our commitment to education that transcends the classroom and empowers individuals to make informed decisions that shape our world, Mr Given Mashabane, Penreach Senior Programme Manager: STEAM, said.
For those seeking to engage further with Penreach’s initiatives and its impactful work in education, please visit www.penreach.co.za or follow @Penreach on social media.
Goodbye Uncle Sidney: South Africa Mourns a Man We All Came to Love
South Africa, We Have SO Much Good News to Share With You!
by 
