One Year of STEM Education Has Been Completed In South Africa. STEM education in South Africa has taken a remarkable leap forward with the successful completion of the first year of the Ardagh for Education programme, implemented by PROTEC (Programme for Technological Careers). This initiative is creating a meaningful difference in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, empowering both teachers and learners across the country.
The Partnership Driving STEM Excellence
In July 2024, PROTEC partnered with Ardagh Glass Packaging – South Africa to roll out the Ardagh for Education programme, a 10-year global initiative by the Ardagh Group. This long-term project is focused on enhancing STEM education in South Africa, especially in communities around Ardagh’s operations in Wadeville, Nigel, and Clayville, with Bellville in the Western Cape joining in 2026.
The programme represents a decade-long investment in education, designed to strengthen teaching capacity, improve learner outcomes, and address South Africa’s urgent need for stronger STEM foundations.
“Our partnership with Ardagh for Education embodies a shared commitment to empowering future generations through quality STEM education,” said Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC.
Why STEM Education Matters in South Africa
The demand for quality STEM education in South Africa has never been higher. According to the Trialogue Knowledge Hub:
- Only 35% of matric learners wrote the final mathematics exam.
- Just 5% of learners achieved a pass mark of 60% or higher in maths.
- In physical science, 69% of matric candidates passed the 2021 exam.
- Graduation in STEM-related university courses is only 20%, highlighting a gap in skilled graduates.
These statistics reveal the urgency of interventions like the Ardagh for Education programme, which directly supports STEM skills development to prepare learners for future careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Year One Achievements
The first year of implementation has been significant. Starting from the inaugural teacher workshop on July 20, 2024, PROTEC has successfully supported schools in Gauteng districts.
Schools Reached in 2024 vs. 2026
| Year | Districts | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Total Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Gauteng East & Ekurhuleni South | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| 2026 | Gauteng East, Ekurhuleni South & Ekurhuleni North | 23 | 15 | 38 |
Through this expansion, educators have been trained with innovative methodologies, leading to more hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Teachers now have access to modern teaching resources, enabling them to explain complex scientific concepts with clarity.
One teacher, Nompilo Mthethwa from Landulwazi Secondary School, expressed:
“The training has transformed the way I teach science. My students are more engaged, and their confidence in STEM subjects grows daily.”
Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Learners
The programme’s primary strength lies in its focus on teacher development from Grades 4–12, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to deliver innovative, practical, and student-centered lessons.
By improving teaching quality, learners are naturally more inspired to pursue STEM careers. This ripple effect is expected to create a steady flow of future scientists, engineers, and innovators capable of contributing to South Africa’s growth.
The Broader Impact
The Ardagh for Education programme in South Africa is expected to:
- Reach over 200 schools in 10 years.
- Train more than 1,100 educators.
- Positively impact over 300,000 learners.
This initiative also aligns with Ardagh’s Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on “making packaging for good” while investing in the social upliftment of communities where the company operates.
Adding further momentum to the project, Damian Willemse, Springbok rugby player and Ardagh Ambassador, actively champions the programme, promoting its vision of empowering young South Africans through education.
Looking Towards the Future (2026–2035)
As the programme progresses, its focus will be on sustainable teacher development and the creation of a pipeline of skilled youth prepared for higher education and future employment in STEM industries.
By 2035, the vision is to have nurtured a generation equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise qualities essential for South Africa’s economic development and technological advancement.
Conclusion
The completion of the first year of the Ardagh for Education programme in South Africa is more than just a milestone it is a powerful indication of how long-term educational investments can transform lives. With PROTEC’s dedication and Ardagh’s vision, thousands of learners now have access to improved STEM education, positioning them for brighter futures.
