High school science project changes lives
A designated homework station can increase a child’s academic performance by as much as 48%.
MEYERTON .– What started as a 16-year-old girl’s school science project in 2016 has evolved into an innovative educational instrument—an adaptable desk and chair duo with a solar-powered light and USB charging port, offering learners a versatile solution for on-the-go education.
This vibrantly coloured creation, resembling a fusion of a school bag and a carry-on suitcase, boasts wheels, a handle, and unfolds into a practical desk.
While this all-in-one working station backpack, tailored for children to transport between school and home, may not sound like such a big deal at first, they provide a comfortable chair and desk combination, fostering attentiveness and productivity during lessons.
According to Firana Boodhram, the CEO of MiDesk Global,Boodhram: “Research has proven that a child’s academic performance can increase by 48% if they have a designated homework station.”
The convertible backpack that transforms into a desk was invented by Boodhram’s daughter, Talita Boodhram, now 23.
Talita, along with her father Minesh Boodhram (53), created the prototype for a school science project while she was a Grade 11 learner at Woodhill College, a Curro school in Gauteng.
Talita reminisces that the assignment tasked her with researching and presenting an innovative idea to positively influence people’s lives.
Motivated by a television report highlighting children without school desks who were compelled to write and learn on cold and muddy floors, Talita was spurred into action.
The original prototype, crafted from cat litter boxes, spade handles, and a bag, earned a gold award at a science expo at the University of Pretoria.
However, the invention almost faded into obscurity until Talita’s parents, both businesspeople in the mining industry, founded MiDesk Global in 2018 to manufacture and distribute these desks.
Through sponsorships, the first 135 desks were distributed on World Literacy Day in 2021 to learners in North West.
Since then, these desks have reached schools in all nine provinces of South Africa.
Recently, 100 desks were donated to learners at Ratasetjhaba Primary School in Chrissiesfontein, Meyerton, on January 29, aiming to enhance development and academic performance in this rural school.
The Midvaal Local Municipality and the Sedibeng District Municipality, with the help of a sponsorship from the South African mobile operator Cell C supported this initiative.
During the handover Cell C’s Managing Executive: Government Relations, Joshua Moela said: “We passionately believe that education is the key to a brighter future.
“Through this initiative, the learning experience for every child, regardless of their circumstances will be enhanced.
“MiDesks are a practical means to empower students, ensuring they have the tools necessary to excel in their academic journey. “This collaborative effort reflects a shared vision of making education accessible and impactful.” The school expressed its gratitude to Cell C, Sedibeng District Municipality, and Midvaal Local Municipality for their commitment to education and for making this initiative possible.
