This marks a year since the inaugural teacher workshop, signifying a step forward in enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in communities surrounding Ardagh's operations in Wadeville, Nigel and Clayville, says the duo.

The Ardagh for Education programme, a global initiative by Ardagh Group, is a long-term 10-year commitment in South Africa designed to foster high-quality STEM teaching and inspire students' interest in these critical subjects. As the implementation partner, PROTEC translates this vision into tangible results on the ground, directly addressing the urgent need for STEM education in underserved communities, adds the duo.

Over the past year, PROTEC has focused on delivering educator support through focused training, equipping teachers with innovative methodologies and resources. This directly translates into more engaging and hands-on learning experiences for students, enhancing their technical abilities and preparing them with essential 21st-century skills. The programme's design, with its strong emphasis on teacher development across grades four to twelve, aims to ensure a widespread, lasting and meaningful impact on the educational landscape, says the duo.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate this one-year milestone with Ardagh Glass Packaging South Africa," says Balan Moodley, CEO at PROTEC. "Our partnership with Ardagh for Education embodies a shared commitment to empowering future generations through quality STEM education. This visionary programme improves the output of matriculants qualified for STEM-related tertiary studies and successful careers, which has been PROTEC's constant ambition for decades. The progress we've seen in teacher upskilling and student engagement over the past year is a testament to the dedication of all involved, from the educators and learners to the communities and the Ardagh team. We look forward to many more years of inspiring future scientists, engineers and innovators."

The Ardagh for Education programme in South Africa is set to reach more than 200 primary and high schools, 1 100 educators, and over 300 000 learners in those grades over its decade-long tenure. PROTEC's role is to ensure that the effective delivery of this ambitious and impactful initiative, contributing to Ardagh's purpose of "making packaging for good" by investing in the communities where it operates. The programme is championed by Ardagh Ambassador and Springbok World Cup Winning Rugby player, Damian Willemse, who shares the passion for community development and is excited by the potential for widespread impact in South Africa, says the duo.

Since the first teacher workshop on Sunday, 20 July 2024, PROTEC has been at the forefront of implementing the Ardagh for Education programme's core objectives. They aim for their efforts to be concentrated in the communities around Ardagh's operations, specifically targeting schools in Wadeville, Nigel and Clayville in Gauteng, with Bellville in the Western Cape coming onboard in 2026. These areas have been identified as key regions where enhanced STEM education can make a difference in the lives of young people and the economic development of their communities, says the duo.

In 2024, the programme involved 16 schools from two districts in Gauteng: four primary and four secondary schools from Gauteng East, and four primary and four secondary schools from Ekurhuleni South. For 2025, the programme has expanded in 2025 to a total of 38 schools across three districts of Gauteng: nine primary and seven secondary schools from Gauteng East, nine primary and six secondary schools from Ekurhuleni South, and five primary and two secondary schools from Ekurhuleni North, adds the duo.

The need for such an intervention is becoming critical. The Trialogue Knowledge Hub reports that only 35% of matric learners wrote the final maths exam, with only 5% passing with 60% or more. In physical science, 69% of matrics who wrote the final exam passed in 2021. Furthermore, university graduation in STEM-related courses stands at around 20%, highlighting an urgent need to improve school education, adds the duo.

"Being part of the Ardagh for Education programme, implemented by PROTEC, has transformed the way I teach science," says Nompilo Mthethwa, a participant from Landulwazi Secondary School in Ekurhuleni South District (Wadeville). "The training has given me new techniques to explain complex concepts and the resources provided have made practical lessons possible. My students are more engaged and I can see their confidence in STEM growing every day."

This first year has been a period of significant growth and learning, setting the stage for the continued expansion and deepening of the A4E programme. Following the two-year intensive programme, schools will remain within the programme through teaching committees and a recognition system to maintain school and teacher engagement, while additional schools will be added. PROTEC remains committed to its role as a catalyst for change, working hand-in-hand with Ardagh to nurture future scientists, engineers and innovators who will drive South Africa's progress, says the duo.

As the Ardagh for Education programme progresses towards its 2035 goal, PROTEC will continue to expand its reach, aiming to impact more schools and communities across South Africa. The focus will remain on sustainable teacher development and creating skilled young individuals ready to contribute to the nation's economic growth and technological advancement. This long-term commitment underscores Ardagh's dedication to its Sustainability Strategy and its role as a responsible corporate citizen, concludes the duo. 

For more information, visit www.protec.org.za. You can also follow PROTEC on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor