Sci-Enza hosts a variety of science enrichment programmes to complement a child’s learning experience. These programmes help learners with their studies and in gaining other important skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills outside of their normal class environment. A science enrichment programme can be one that is hosted after-school, on Saturdays and during school holidays. These programmes offer kids interactive lessons that relate to their school curriculum, so that they can see and understand the relevance and application of the concepts they do at school. The activities include DIY projects, arts and crafts, treasure hunt and many more tasks that encourage learners to actively participate in them.

The centre offers after-school programmes consisting of hands-on workshops and real-life applications of science concepts that they have been exposed to previously. To bring more value to this programme, we sometimes ask a researcher to give a talk on their expertise, which also exposes learners to different careers. The learners also have an opportunity to decide which topics they would like to know more about and on some instances we come up with topics we think might be interesting to them. The sessions not only teach learners about science, but also provide career and study tips and assists them with acquiring other skills like teamwork, creativity and communication.

Another science enrichment we offer is the holiday programmes hosted quarterly during school holidays. It takes longer than a day, its duration is usually a week or two depending on the term. We have activities that can cater for a wide range of learners, from grade R to12. During this science enrichment programme learners get a chance to know more in-depth about different topics as they get more time to learn than the 1 hour they receive with the after-school sessions. One of the advantages of the holiday programme is that it brings together learners from different schools and this helps them with interpersonal skills, they are able to share a variety of ideas and they can also make new friends.

The science enrichment programmes have a lot of benefits for both the learners and communities. It keeps children off the streets, away from the screen, which most parents and teachers are happy about and it also showcases STEM related topics to broaden their knowledge. Sci-Enza ensures that these programmes are organised in a way that allows kids to have fun while they learn. These programmes add value to the kids’ learning process and makes them enjoy and understand science better. Learners always leave the sessions thrilled and asking for more. Some tell us to visit their schools and others even change from thinking that science is difficult to them wanting to do it throughout their schooling years.