Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (Ardagh) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) have partnered to roll out a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programme in schools across the province.

The partnership, facilitated by Edu Invest and powered by Wesgro, was announced at Ardagh’s manufacturing plant in Bellville on Friday (30 October), after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ardagh and the department.

The Ardagh for Education Programme will be implemented by the Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC), a non-profit organisation with more than 40 years’ experience in STEM education. The programme forms part of Ardagh’s broader commitment to investing in education in communities surrounding its manufacturing operations.

It will initially draw 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 start in 2027, with further cohorts introduced over the seven-year programme.

Supporting teachers

Mathematics and science teachers teaching 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 strengthen classroom practice.

To promote hands-on learning, the programme will introduce the Science-2-Go initiative in partnership with the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME). Plans include establishing a science resource centre where participating schools can borrow equipment for experiments and classroom demonstrations.

Coding and robotics will also be introduced through teacher training and school-based clubs, giving learners exposure to practical technology skills.

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‘Skills to innovate and dream big’

Ardagh chief executive officer Paul Curnow said the company recognised the critical role education played in ensuring equal opportunities and building vibrant communities. “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,” he said.

Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt said he is passionate about increasing the maths and science footprint in schools across the province. “These are subjects that give our learners the skills and ability to innovate, solve problems and dream big.”

The partnership demonstrated the value of private-sector investment in education and its contribution to the province’s future skills needs, said Wesgro chief executive officer Wrenelle Stander.

“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,” she said.

The programme aims to build learners’ confidence, stimulate curiosity and encourage greater participation in STEM subjects, opening pathways to further study and careers in technical fields.

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