Approximately 100 children from Baphumalele Home and Ngamana Safe Academy (two Khayelitsha orphanages) and the Wesleyan Children’s Church Group from Delft were hosted by ORT SA CAPE at the Cape Town Science Centre on Mandela Day.
In honour of Madiba’s memory, these young children and others from the community were treated to a day’s exploration in the field of science and Robotics, and thoroughly enjoyed a delicious nutritious lunch, provided by Dish Food and Social.
ORT SA CAPE’s team and volunteers were happy to be on duty to ensure that the children got the most out of their science and Robotics experience.
“The kids are instantly enthralled by Lego Robotics, and they soon discover that the only way they can build them is by reading the ‘how to’ programme. And suddenly, it’s all they want to do!” said Dr Lydia Abel, Director of ORT SA CAPE.
Robotics is a branch of engineering that deals with designing, building and operating robots. It draws on engineering, electronics and bio-engineering and is an amazing tool to teach young learners complicated concepts. It provides teachers with an exciting opportunity to inspire, motivate and enlighten young minds.
ORT SA CAPE receives regular calls from principals of the schools involved, reporting a massive improvement in the participants overall behaviours. The children’s self-esteem improves, they start asking questions, getting the work done and best of all, they start helping their peers.
The organisation also fosters learning for teachers in the rural and urban areas of the Western Cape; these include facilitating and funding SETA-accredited Grate R and Early Childhood Development Teacher Training Courses.
Fifty adults fulfilled their 67 minutes and more in the spirit of Mandela Day. They helped the children explore and engaged with them directly on all the activities.
