St Augustine learners reach for the stars with NASA collab

LIMPOPO – St. Augustine Residential School in Tshandama village in Mutale is set to send its second batch of learners to participate in an exciting initiative with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) in Florida, US.

Known affectionately as Stars, the school is making significant strides in enriching educational opportunities for learners.

Principal Mini Anish announced this groundbreaking collaboration, which she said was aimed at fostering a passion for education and exploration.

“The recent introduction of an elite programme offers top-performing learners an extraordinary opportunity to train at Nasa’s Space Center in Florida.
Since its establishment in 2019, this initiative selects the school’s top three matriculants who achieve a minimum of 90% in their final exam, allowing them to experience the wonders of space exploration firsthand,” said Anish.

This unparalleled experience broadens their horizons and ignites their ambition in advanced science and technology.

The inaugural group of learners, Pophi Zwashu Coreen, Lidovho Ndingono Loraine, Rambau Hulisani, Mugwedi Rivhavhalele Judith, and Tshilande Ompha, recently returned from a certified training programme at Nasa.

Their journey included hands-on training and engaging interactions with pioneering astronauts, leaving a lasting impact on their perspectives.

“This unique experience has sparked curiosity and determination within the learners, motivating them to pursue ambitious goals. St. Augustine envisions a future where such accomplishments inspire their peers, encouraging the next generation to dream bigger in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) fields,” Anish added.

Offering a comprehensive educational pathway from preschool to Gr 12, St. Augustine Residential School has established a remarkable track record since its founding.

With an impressive average matric pass rate of 98.60% and bachelor pass rates exceeding 80%, these achievements reflect the effectiveness of its innovative teaching methods and the unwavering dedication of its teachers.

With over 2 700 enrolled learners, St. Augustine continues to set benchmarks in education while upholding its commitment to excellence.

“We recognise the dynamic nature of the global education landscape and are dedicated to enhancing our infrastructure and technology to better prepare our learners for the future. Our initiatives with Nasa mark the beginning of our efforts to inspire learners in exciting ways. Through ongoing projects and a strong commitment to professional development, we aim to create new opportunities that will enable them to excel academically and in their extracurricular pursuits,” Anish concluded.