Ardagh and WCED partner to strengthen STEM education in Western Cape schools
Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape
In a move to strengthen STEM education and develop the Western Cape’s future skills pipeline, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (Ardagh) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), facilitated by Edu Invest, powered by Wesgro, have partnered to roll out a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme in schools across the province.
The partnership was formally announced at Ardagh's manufacturing plant in Bellville today, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ardagh and the WCED.
Building on similar initiatives already underway in other parts of South Africa, the programme will be implemented by the Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC), a non-profit organisation with over 40 years of experience in STEM education.
The Ardagh for Education Programme will initially focus on identifying participating schools from a pool of 64 schools (41 primary and 23 secondary) in Bellville, Athlone and Strand. The first cohort of eight high schools is scheduled to commence in 2027, with further cohorts introduced in phases over the seven-year programme. The initiative forms part of Ardagh’s broader commitment to investing in education in communities surrounding its manufacturing operations.
The programme comes at a time when strengthening Mathematics participation and performance remains an important priority for South Africa’s education system. By supporting Mathematics and Science teaching from the earlier grades, the initiative aims to build learners’ confidence, stimulate curiosity and encourage greater participation in STEM subjects, while opening pathways to further study and careers in technical fields.
Supporting teachers and practical STEM learning
Teacher development is a key component of the programme. Mathematics and Science educators teaching across Grades 4 to 12 will receive 90 hours of training workshops and 36 hours of in-school support over two years. Teachers will also have ongoing access to online learning resources and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to promote continuous professional development and strengthen classroom practice.
Plans also include establishing a PROTEC/Ardagh science resource centre in the form of mobile science labs which will visit participating schools to facilitate classroom demonstrations and experiments.
The programme will further introduce coding and robotics through teacher training and the establishment of school-based clubs, giving learners greater exposure to practical technology skills.
Ardagh Chief Executive Officer, Paul Curnow said, “We recognise the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. Equipping people with both technical and essential skills from the very start of their education journey will enhance our communities at all levels, from providing creative perspectives to in-demand skills. We are nurturing future scientists, engineers, and innovators through world-class STEM learning experiences and empowering young people to succeed in a complex, global society.”
Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of improving teaching and learning in these critical subjects.
“I am deeply passionate about increasing the Maths and Science footprint in schools across the province and improving learning outcomes in these subjects. These are subjects that give our learners the skills and ability to innovate, solve problems, and dream big. I hope this programme sparks curiosity and passion in learners and helps to unlock their boundless potential.”
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said the partnership demonstrates the value of private-sector investment in education and its contribution to the province's future skills needs.
“Through Edu Invest, we are committed to connecting businesses with opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to education in the Western Cape. Investments of this nature are critical to strengthening the province's future talent pipeline, equipping young people with the skills they need to transition from learning to earning,” said Stander.
Through the partnership, Ardagh, the WCED and PROTEC aim to strengthen STEM education across participating schools, helping more learners develop the knowledge, the skills and confidence needed to pursue further education and careers in science, technology and engineering and related fields.
