GEORGE NEWS - The Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu, next to the MM Mateza Primary School, should be completed in October and will be operational in the first term of 2018, said Brett Utian, programme manager at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine at the Isisombululo Programme.

"The centre will be a safe, supportive learning and play environment for the youth and children of Thembalethu and the greater George area. It will be open to all services providers, both civil society and government, to implement child and youth-related programmes spanning a wide variety of recreational, educational, social, and environmental aspects," said Utian.

The Inkcubeko centre, funded through the Hasso Plattner Trust, is a partnership between government, academia (University of Cape Town), civil society, and the private sector to provide critical infrastructure and services to local communities.

A non-profit company, the Isisombululo Community Improvement Programme, will administrate the centre.

An admin section, a youth-friendly clinic, a recreational hall, a science laboratory and an exhibit hall will be housed in the three buildings.

Utian explained, "The science and technology hub will provide hands-on learning opportunities in the sciences, mathematics, and technology to children and youth - from preschool to high school - to increase learners' knowledge of science and maths in the local schools."

The naming of the centre was done through a naming contest held in Thembalethu. Yandani Ngqezu , a Thembalethu High learner, won the contest with the most votes from children and youth, who voted at the Youth Friendly Clinic roll-out in April.

Utian thanked the community of Thembalethu and George for their ideas and support and especially those who have been involved with this project since its inception in 2011.

ARTICLE & PHOTO:  MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

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