Dream lab for droners

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - A world of science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and mathematics (Stream) has opened up for learners of Heatherlands High, a former remedial school.

A brand-new 4iR* Stream laboratory, complete with a drone room, will afford learners a chance to occupy themselves with complex problem solving, critical and creative thinking.

Heatherlands High headmaster Salomo Moses was visibly moved during the opening on Tuesday afternoon, calling the laboratory a real blessing to the school's learners. The laboratory includes tablets and app-making kits, and is the sixth of its kind in the country opened by the Sakhikamva Foundation, in sponsorship with Software AG.

Photo gallery: Heatherlands High opens 4iR Stream laboratory

Murshid Obaray of Software AG said a total of 85% of the jobs in 2030 have not yet been invented and that we should be educating and preparing learners for what the future will be like. Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, Fatima Jakoet, said the focus is currently on Grade 8 and 9 learners.

"We will be supporting and training teachers in Stream philosophy and teaching methodologies over the next three years, so that they can expertly guide their learners through amazing 21st century learning experiences."

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Director of the Western Cape Education Department Karen Dudley said learners and educators will have a hands-on learning experience, which she hopes will ignite new appreciation and passion for maths, science and technology in this under-served community.

The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), genetic engineering and quantum computing. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a way of describing the blurring of boundaries between the physical, digital and biological worlds.

From left are: the founder of Sakhikamva Foundation Fatima Jakoet; transformation director for software AG Ndazi Nokoane; senior management team teacher at Heatherlands High Carla Oudejans; tranformation specialist for software AG Robyn Kibby; public sector team leader for software AG Murshid Obaray and Eden and Central Karoo Education District director Jewel Jonkers.