The Department of Library Services’ Reading Corner, in the STEM Sensory Garden, has officially opened

The STEM Sensory Garden in Mamelodi was officially opened on 8 September 2023 by the Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Themba Mosia. The aim of the sensory garden is to improve the physical fitness, health, mood, and cognition of all who use it.

The sensory garden was created with the combined energy and effort of students from the community-based project module of the Faculty of Engineering, the occupational therapy students of the Siyathemba clinic, and other landscape artist students.

The STEM sensory garden is an invaluable resource for Department of Health Science and Early Childhood Development students, serving as a platform for ECD practitioner training as well as a dynamic space for interdisciplinary research.  The library is extremely proud that we were able to establish our own little reading corner and use our storytelling knowledge to contribute to the overall goals of the garden.

The sensory garden will benefit many learners and can be integrated into STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in a variety of ways. To find out the many benefits of the sensory garden, please click here.

The following photographs capture the festive atmosphere and excitement of the opening event.

Acting and interim vice-chancellor, Professor Themba Mosia officially cuts the ribbon

Mr Modisa Khosie coach of the Community Outreach and Engagement Group with some focus group members at the Reading Corner

Some Mamelodi Campus students engaging with young children during a reading session. 

On 27 September 2023, the Department of Library Services, the Mamelodi Campus, Nal'ibali and the Department of Speech-Language Pathology co-presented a storytelling workshop in the gardens. The event captivated the senses and imaginations of ECD practitioners and education students at the University of Pretoria greatly.