in a positive and fun environment
Robotics Academy Teaser
About us
The Split Second Science Education Foundation (SSSEF) was founded in 2018, by Felix Spies – a passionate creative Scientist and Educator. He started the Foundation during is Honours studies, as he saw the mounting evidence that the quality of South Africa’s STEM education is decreasing. The Global Competitiveness Report (2017–2018), ranks South Africa 128 out of 137 in quality of math and science education. This tendency is largely due to the that learners in rural and semi-urban areas attend under-resourced schools and they do not have access to platforms that expose them to hands-on science experiments.
By identifying key strategic opportunities in the I-STEM education field (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), SSSEF provides customized expertise, training and products to provide learners with opportunities that are out of their reach.
SSSEF creates the context specific solutions using an Asset Based, Community Driven, Education approach (ABCDE) which allows us to use the existing assets within the community to drive education that is supported and driven by the community. This ensures that our programme creates an impact on learners and drives a passion for science to potentially follow a career in science (which is decreasing in South Africa). This also uplifts the greater community by keeping learners off the street and in the class.
What we believe
OUR VISION
To provide a platform for learners and youth in rural and semi-urban areas to engage with I-STEM education (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) in a meaningful and authentic way to develop sustainable skill sets.
OUR PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES
PURPOSE
To create the opportunities, exposure and platforms
for 2500 learners to engage and experience I-STEM
education in the next three years.
OBJECTIVES
- To make I-STEM education and related skill sets accessible to all learners
- To grant, create and facilitate opportunities
- To aid and enrich community upliftment
- To develop sustainable and meaningful long-term partnerships
- To practice and promote responsible and sustainable science
- To focus on creating youth empowerment platforms
UNFOLDING PROJECTS
OUR PARTNERS
In 2018 and 2019, SSSEF was awarded a grant to host and facilitate activities for National Science Week in 2018 and 2019. We continue to be an agent for SAASTA and we actively increase the quality and amount of I-STEM programmes in South Africa.
In partnership with South32 and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, SSSEF is managing and facilitating six robotics teams at six different rural schools in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape.
The SSSEF and the VUT NC Technology Station have collaborated on various projects based on the needs of the Northern Cape focusing on skill set transfer and exposing learners and youth to new technologies such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
Supply of quality STEM educational resources at highly competitive prices due to a signed MOU.
Provides the SSSEF with EV3 Lego Mindstorm kits and educator training to ensure the sustainability and impact of EV3 clubs.
Partner with SACNASP to promote scientific professions in South Africa during SciFest Africa in 2018/2019 & 2020 as well as other events.
The QuantumCrayon Digital Thinking toolkit helps learners explore and learn using hands-on technology. Learners get to build practical, hi-tech solutions that give them the experience, insights, confidence and mastery of core technology building blocks, and the problem-solving skills needed to flourish in their future lives and careers.
THE BOARD
Erica is the Founder of Balance the Future Pty Ltd. Her core focus is Social & Skills Development with large corporate clients like Sasria Soc Ltd, Santam & Bryan Habana Foundation. She has over 20 years of corporate experience ranging from Sustainability to Project Management. Her business philosophy is: Through Partnerships anything is possible. Erica is known to be a Change Agent and this creates a leadership style that is inclusive but provokes out the box thinking with the Board. She is a compassionate, driven and a determined leader. Erica believes in the Shared Value Business Model and drives this in the Foundations programmes.
Wouter is the founder/Director of FD on call and Accounts on call, serving SMEs to large corporate enterprises primarily in the Western Cape. FD on call place a highly qualified CA in your business – I.E. your own Financial Director on call. They analyse and accordingly structure your business to expedite growth and prosperity. They offer experienced advice without you having the stress and financial burden of a full-time, highly paid CA. With us you pay for professional expertise only as and when you need it.
Throughout his career, Nicky has held leadership positions, serving as the SRC President and managing the Media & PR Portfolio at Eduvos (formerly CTI/MGI). Since November 2016, he has been an integral part of the LE Consult Group, excelling as the Director of Operations. In this role, Nicky has been responsible for overseeing the labour department, chairing numerous disciplinary hearings, and providing expert guidance on labour law matters, including wage negotiations, disputes, retrenchments, CCMA applications, and the interpretation of relevant laws and determinations.
Zukiswa is an educated, focused ambitious and driven individual. A qualified quantity surveyor with over 12 years of experience.
Her hobbies include going to the gym, hiking, photography, traveling, sport and socializing.
Zukiswa believe that good education is not a privilege but an opportunity that all should have access to which is one of SSSEF objectives.
Andrea is passionate about strategic marketing, corporate social responsibility and brand management. She has over 12 years of experience in corporate business with a Btech: Public Relations Management (Cum Laude). Andrea is driven by making a difference in the lives of others, understanding how to work with people’s strengths and challenging each other to grow.
Her hobbies include being outdoors, testing new recipes for her little one, listening to podcasts, learning new skills and spending time with loved ones.
Andrea’s motto is: “In a gentle way, you can shake the world” – Mahatma Gandi
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Felix has a BSc degree in Human Life Sciences with Psychology (Stell.), a Post Graduate certificate in Science Education (UCT) as well as a Bed Honors in Educational Law, Management and Systems.
He is the proud founder of Split Second Science and is currently engaged full time in making it a success. His hobbies include making sushi, walking and taking care of his twin calico cats (Arabella and Kutikula).
Bianca is a motivated, interactive, resilient, and dynamic young woman and is the SSSEF programme Co-ordinator. She has a wealth of expertise and experience in Community Development and working with Independent Power Producers (IPP’s) and other sectors.
Bianca has overseen and managed socio-economic development (SED) and enterprise development projects in communities across the country. Many of these communities are in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, where some of South Africa’s biggest solar and wind energy projects have been constructed through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP). With a firm belief that renewable energy is a great opportunity for South Africa, Bianca is grateful for the impact that these projects make and the lives they change in some of the most remote and rural areas in a sustainable manner.
Heine Kulsen is the Northern Cape Programme coordinator. He holds a B.Ed. (Hons) Education Management and is currently busy with his M.Ed. (Education Management). Heine has a wealth of knowledge within the education sector and in his 29 years he held various positions including Departmental Head, Acting Principal and Principal.
He holds various other qualifications but not limited to SACE Certificate for IQMS Professional Development, NHBRC Certificate, Anti-bullying programme training, Hlayiseka Early warning system, CTPA Strategic Planning, financial Training for principals and EPMDS Training. Heine skillset has allowed him to grow the activities within the Northern Cape. His skillset includes assisting teachers, peers and seniors with creative problem solving, providing pastoral care, running of programmes effectively and support learners and teachers when needed.
In his spare time, Heine enjoys reading, cycling, walking his dog Elsa, photography and assisting with other organisations like the ATKV.
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