Grade 7 to 9 learners of Mitchell House showcased the end products of their imagination and creativity when they added the final touches to 38 technology community projects at the school on Friday.
The projects were inspired by a visit to the school’s Enrichment Centre, also known as Pathways, by Grade 8 learners as part of their orientation programme at the beginning of the year. “The learners realised that the centre was in need of sensory toys and it was decided that this year’s Technology community project will focus on the creation and making of toys that can be used and will not just go to the dustbin after they were evaluated,” Christelle Coetzee, Natural Sciences and Technology Educator and coordinator of the project, explained.
According to Coetzee, the projects that included a car wash, puppet theatre and panels that are used in sense identification, have to be non-toxic, durable and safe for the children with impairments. “Most of the toys that are used at the centre are worn out and can only be replaced at high cost and we saw this opportunity to assist,” Coetzee said and added that the projects are evaluated and that the results contribute towards the learners’ marks for Technology. “It provides great satisfaction to the learners to see the fruits of their creativity on display and being put into good use,” she reckoned.
Grade 9s Xolwe Nukeri, Lama Baloyi, Mokhothene Poto and Thuso Nyoffu took time to construct their puppet theatre and agreed that they looked forward to see how the children at the Enrichment Centre will have fun with their project. “Even the spray paint we used, is non-toxic,” Xolwe explained.
Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com
