Pupils from rural schools in the Limpopo’s Vhembe region were urged to develop an interest in the fields of maths and science to prepare themselves for the work force, so that they can be employable.

The call came from Telkom Foundation when handing over MY LAB Kits (mobile laboratories) for 30 rural schools during an event held at the Life Science Centre of the University of Venda last Wednesday.

“Maths and sciences open doors of learning and some of the world’s most lucrative and rewarding jobs are rooted in science and maths. Astronomy, food science, geography and sound engineering all require a qualification in science,” said the project manager for the Telkom Foundation, Ms Judy Poo.

Poo applauded the joint venture between Telkom Foundation and the University of Venda to help identify rural schools in the Vhembe region which need to promote maths and science subjects. “Students study with our bursaries. Pupils discover the power of the Internet with our equipment and our network, while teachers sharpen their skills by participating in our programmes. MYLAB Kits put the necessary apparatus at the disposal of teachers, and allow them to do the practical work in maths and sciences which are scarce resources,” she added.

One of the teachers who received MYLAB Kits on behalf of the pupils, Mr Albert Mabasa from Shingwedzi Secondary near Malamulele, was over the moon to learn that his school and others are the beneficiaries of the Telkom Foundation. He said pupils really needed good equipment to be able to produce the best results in maths and sciences. "The donation of mobile laboratories will help pupils in the deep rural areas these regard,” he added.