Community involvement

Community investment and development

The AECI Group’s community development initiatives are directed primarily towards addressing the prevailing skills shortages in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on mathematics and science. A number of communities are also supported with humanitarian interventions.

A total of R7 million was invested in large donations in the year, including the second tranche of the Group’s five-year, R15 million commitment to the AECI Chemistry Laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand. Smaller donations amounted to an additional R200 000.

EDUCATION

SETH (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Health) Academy

This Academy, based in Potchefstroom in the North West, aims to identify future engineers, scientists and health professionals throughout South Africa. Its dedicated Grades 8 to 12 programme is focused on providing excellent mathematics, science, and technical tuition in an integrated learning environment. Tuition is offered in the afternoons at the North-West University by lecturers and includes tutorials, practical lessons, visits and projects. Morning school activities are under the tutelage of Ferdinand Postma, the partner school in Potchefstroom.

For the 2013 academic year, AECI is sponsoring 10 learners who require financial support. Seven of them are Black, two are white females and one is a white male. These learners will also receive AECI bursaries when they commence their tertiary education.

Primestars Maths and Science Matric Revision

In 2012, AECI participated in Educ8. Pioneered by Primestars Marketing, this project uses Ster-Kinekor cinema outlets nationally as screening venues for Grade 12 mathematics and science revision programmes. It is aimed mainly at disadvantaged youth and has proved to be efficient, popular and rewarding for learners and sponsors alike.

AECI’s participation in 2012 allowed the inclusion in the project of 1 500 additional learners in Polokwane, Limpopo.

AECI Chemistry Laboratory, University of the Witwatersrand Science Stadium

2012 was a successful year for the AECI Chemistry Laboratory. Training was provided for 2 055 students from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Industrial and Electrical), Science and Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The laboratory was officially opened on 7 June during the launch of the Wits Science Stadium by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize.

2013 will see a similar number of students moving through the laboratory.

The Faculty of Science is hoping to use the Science Stadium facilities to host 1 000 matric learners for a Maths and Science Winter School. The Science Stadium will also host an international conference early in 2014 to celebrate the UNESCO, United Nations International Year of Crystallography.

HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

SANCA Western Cape Services

SANCA provides specialised and fully-accredited substance abuse prevention as well as out-patient treatment services, by a multi-disciplinary team, to communities in the Western Cape. Services and their impacts are on three levels, from proactive awareness programmes highlighting the devastating effects of substance abuse through to care for those who are already victims of such abuse.

In 2012, SANCA assisted almost 2 000 patients individually and presented more than 40 000 educational and life skills sessions as part of its prevention programmes.

The Teddy Bear Clinic

The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children is a human rights organisation providing essential services at no charge to children who suffer abuse, violence and exploitation. Access to justice and care for these children follows a multi-disciplinary approach that includes legal support, medical intervention and psycho-social care.

Through quality intervention, strong coordination with child protection partners and effective advocacy, the needs of traumatised and victimised children are addressed holistically and in a protective environment.

Community Provision and Social Services project (“Compass”)

Compass is an emergency baby and child rescue NGO. It cares for 102 babies and children, aged between birth and 17 years, who have been abused or abandoned, or are terminally ill, impoverished or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Compass provides these children with food and shelter and a nurturing environment that encourages their empowerment and upliftment.