– In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Ford South Africa, in partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, is proud to announce the handover of the 100th Maths and Science Laboratory.
This milestone marks the completion of a far-reaching initiative to equip 100 under-resourced primary schools across the country with state-of-the-art Maths and Science Labs – a project aimed at fostering a greater interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) amongst learners from grades 5 to 7. This will set more eager learners on the path towards related careers in these fields such as doctors, scientists and engineers – a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and helping build a brighter future for South Africa.
The 100 Maths and Science Labs are set to immediately benefit approximately 20,000 primary school learners, providing them with vital resources to engage in STEM education. As new students enter these schools, the total impact is expected to multiply significantly, with the potential to reach an estimated 250,000 learners over the next decade.
“Our mission at Ford Philanthropy is to partner with communities to move people forward and upward, helping build a better world and improving peoples’ lives through education, particularly for the younger generation,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.
“I was fortunate to see the handover of the first laboratory last year as part of Ford South Africa’s Centenary event, and it’s fantastic to now have the 100th unit being delivered less than 12 months later. It truly is remarkable what can be achieved when like-minded people, nonprofit organisations and companies join forces to do good. I thank our partners for joining us on this journey with a project that will have a significant impact on the lives of so many children in the years to come.”
The project kicked off in November last year at the start of Ford’s Centenary celebrations when the first unit was handed over to a school in Mamelodi, close to Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria where the Ranger is produced. The 100th and final unit has now been delivered to Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. This showcases the strength of the partnership between Ford, Gift of the Givers, Maersk, and the Department of Basic Education.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Ford’s legacy in South Africa, we are proud to have fulfilled this component of our commitment to empower the next generation of leaders through education. The delivery of the 100 Maths and Science Laboratories represents our dedication to building a future where young South Africans have the tools and opportunities to excel in a technology-driven world,” said Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company Africa.
“This initiative is not just about facilities, it’s about unlocking potential and giving children the many skills they need to dream bigger.”
The completion of this impactful project is a fitting tribute to Ford’s Centenary in South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future through education and community upliftment.
Collaboration and partnerships delivering empowerment through education
The 100 Maths and Science Labs project, funded by Ford South Africa and Ford Philanthropy, forms part of Ford’s broader mission to uplift underprivileged communities through education. Logistics company Maersk donated the 100 shipping containers, which were transformed into fully functioning labs by Gift of the Givers, complete with all the necessary teaching and learning equipment.
“Maersk has a history that has been deeply intertwined with Ford internationally since 1928, and this has grown to become one of the most enduring and mutually beneficial collaborations around the world. Our history is testament to the power of long-term relationships, dedication and shared values that bind us together,” said Theo Pappas, Area Sales director for Maersk South Africa.
“We are immensely proud to be part of Ford’s Centenary milestone, and our commitment to this project resonates deeply with the enduring partnership that has seen us through generations. It also shows the capacity for business to make a meaningful difference in the world,” Pappas said.
“In the spirit of collaboration and giving back to the communities that embraced us, we would like to extend our gratitude to organisations that embody the values of service and dedication. Gift of the Givers is a remarkable South African humanitarian organisation that has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals in times of need. They have been a fantastic partner for this project, and we are proud to stand alongside them today. It’s a story we are proud to be part of, and one that will continue to nurture generations to come,” Pappas said.