A LOVE FOR SCIENCE UNITES SPECIAL NEEDS LEARNERS WITH THEIR ABLE BODIED PEERS

Being equipped with a specious laboratory in which to conduct science experiments, Guatrain Technology Research and Activity Center (TRAC) comfortably accommodates special needs learners as well as those in wheel chairs.

The non-profit programme, TRAC opened its doors in January in Johannesburg’s Sci-Bono Science Centre and moved to a bigger laboratory in the Centre in July. TRAC is sponsored by Gautrain as a socio-economic development initiative to encourage a love for science and technology amongst learners. A fully equipped laboratory allows learners from under-resourced schools to perform practical experiments in line with the national schools curriculum.

“It is very rewarding to see how high school learners develop a passion for science. By attending the laboratory sessions, they realise that science is not as difficult as they were made to believe,” says Given Rapholo, TRAC lab manager and experienced science teacher.

Given explains that learners with special needs attend the TRAC sessions together with able bodied learners from various Johannesburg schools, during holiday classes. In this manner, new friendships are formed and greater tolerance is developed for those amongst them who have special needs.

“Learners realise that is does not really matter if you are in a wheel chair or if you are able bodied. They all follow the same curriculum and they all feel part of the same goal. They are brought together by education,” says Given.

The laboratory can accommodate 48 learners at a time and currently nearly 20 schools are attending TRAC sessions. Practical classes are held during school holidays and involve the revision of past examination papers, especially for Grade 12 learners. On average, 120 science learners per school are attending TRAC sessions.

Learners with special needs rely on their school vehicles to get to TRAC. Apart from the laboratory in Newtown, TRAC also facilitates a laboratory at Sci-Enza in Pretoria. In 2007, 124 000 learners and 2831 teachers were trained by TRAC SA.  During 2008, 173 000 learners were exposed to hands-on experiences in TRAC laboratories all over South Africa.