The Physics Without Frontiers – SA (PWF-SA) Outreach Programme, coordinated by Nelson Mandela University, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in rural primary schools by advancing computational science and coding skills. This initiative addresses critical gaps in science and technology education, aiming to boost digital literacy and spark long-term interest in STEM fields.

This year, the program will primarily focus on the "Natural Sciences" subject. It aims to broaden educational opportunities by introducing learners to theoretical and computational sciences, particularly coding and programming. By providing affordable educational resources, the program equips learners with crucial skills, potentially expanding their future career opportunities.

Objectives: The program's primary goals are to improve science and technology education by equipping teachers with valuable skills and providing learners with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Activities: The initiative offers professional development workshops for primary school science and mathematics teachers, along with interactive and practical activities for learners. These activities focus on delivering essential tools and resources that foster a deeper understanding of computational science and coding.

This year, PWF-SA is collaborating with the University of Limpopo Science Centre to extend its outreach to schools in Limpopo. The workshops are conducted in partnership with the Department of Education, Capricorn District, further strengthening the impact of this initiative.

Speakers
Circuit Manager Masegela (Mamabolo circuit, Department of Basic Education, Limpopo, SA)
Prof Eric Maluta (SAIP, UNIVEN, Venda, Limpopo, SA)
Mr Lufuno Takalani (SAIP, UNIVEN, Venda, Limpopo, SA)
Ms Magdeline Seabi (NMU, NITheCS, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Mr Vuyani Chipunza (NMU, Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Dr James Jena (NMU, Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Ms Takalani Nethavhanani (UNIVEN, Venda, Limpopo, SA)
Mr Lindokuhle Simelane (Tangible Africa, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)

Organising Committee
Miss Magdeline Seabi, (NMU, NITheCS, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Prof Azwinndini Muronga, (NMU, NITheCS, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Dr Brian Masara, (South African Institute of Physics (SAIP))
Prof Eric Maluta, (SAIP President-Elect)
Dr Davi Waswa, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Mr Vuyani Chipunza, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor,
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Dr James Jena, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Mr Tebogo Sebake, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor,
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Miss Malawu Papamani, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Dr Adeniyi Ogunlaja and Dr Martin Weigt, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA)
Prof Francesco Petruccione, Mrs René Kotze (NITheCS, Stellenbosch, SA)
Prof Jean Greyling, (NMU, Centre for Broadband Communication Yebo Tutor,
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SA),
Nelson Mandela University students volunteer in computational Sciences, ICT and
Marketing and Communication.

Contact: magdeline.seabi@nithecs.ac.za