October 18, 2024 – Pretoria, South Africa
As Ford South Africa commemorates its 100th anniversary, the company is making a powerful contribution to the nation’s future by handing over its 100th Maths and Science Laboratory. This milestone, part of a visionary initiative, underscores Ford’s dedication to empowering under-resourced communities through education.
In partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, Ford has equipped 100 primary schools across South Africa with state-of-the-art Maths and Science Labs. These fully equipped labs, housed in converted shipping containers, will provide essential resources to learners in grades 5 to 7, fostering a deeper interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. By inspiring a new generation of doctors, scientists, and engineers, the initiative is set to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for South Africa.
Immediate and Long-Term Impact
The immediate benefits of this project are substantial. Around 20,000 learners will gain access to advanced educational tools, with the potential to impact up to 250,000 students over the next decade as new students pass through the schools. This long-term investment in STEM education will ensure that young South Africans from underprivileged backgrounds are better equipped to excel in a technology-driven world.
“This initiative is about more than just delivering laboratories,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy. “It’s about empowering children to dream bigger and providing them with the skills they need to succeed. We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone and are deeply grateful to our partners for making this vision a reality.”
The project began in November 2023, during Ford South Africa’s Centenary celebrations, with the first lab being delivered to a school in Mamelodi, near Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria. The 100th lab has now been handed over to Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch, marking the successful completion of this ambitious initiative.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
Ford’s collaboration with organisations like Maersk and Gift of the Givers was key to the project’s success. Maersk contributed 100 shipping containers, which were transformed into fully functioning laboratories by Gift of the Givers, equipped with all the necessary teaching and learning tools.
“Maersk and Ford have shared a long history of partnership, and we are immensely proud to be part of this project,” said Theo Pappas, Area Sales Director for Maersk South Africa. “This initiative demonstrates how businesses can come together to make a real difference in the world, and we are honoured to be a part of Ford’s Centenary celebration in such a meaningful way.”
Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, also praised the initiative. “This project is about much more than education; it brings hope and inspiration to communities that have long felt forgotten. It shows that every learner, no matter where they come from, has the potential to achieve greatness.”
In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the labs have been distributed to schools in all nine provinces, ensuring that learners across the country have access to quality STEM education. The training of teachers, facilitated by the Department’s preferred suppliers, is also an essential element of the project, ensuring that educators can maximise the labs’ potential and deliver interactive, engaging lessons to their students.
A Legacy of Commitment to South Africa
The Maths and Science Labs are just one of three major legacy projects launched by Ford South Africa to mark its Centenary. In addition to these labs, Ford is establishing 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. These centres provide safe, modern learning environments for young children in disadvantaged areas. To date, 27 centres have been completed, with more to follow.
Ford is also offering 100 scholarships to promising young South Africans from impoverished communities, focusing on STEM education and vocational training. These scholarships aim to equip students with the skills needed for careers in fields like mechatronics, electrical trades, and engineering. In 2024, 45 scholarships were awarded, with another 55 set to be distributed in 2025.
Building a Better World
As Ford celebrates 100 years in South Africa, its focus remains firmly on the future. Through these transformative education initiatives, the company is investing in the next generation of leaders, ensuring that young people across the country have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Ford South Africa’s Centenary legacy is a testament to its enduring commitment to uplifting communities, fostering innovation, and building a better world for all.
