The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) have teamed up once again to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education by launching the second Honeywell Futureshaper Lab at the UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Johannesburg. This cutting-edge lab is designed to support approximately 320 learners annually, from Grade 8 to Grade 12, providing them with advanced STEM education and hands-on experience with the latest technological innovations.
A Commitment to STEM Excellence
The Futureshaper Lab is a product of the ongoing collaboration between Honeywell and the Gauteng Department of Education. Both parties are committed to improving digital skills and nurturing critical thinking in students. The lab is equipped with the latest technology and will offer comprehensive courses in coding, programming, and robotics. Beyond traditional learning, students will also have access to coding clubs, holiday training camps, and hackathons. These additional activities aim to keep students engaged, motivated, and well-prepared for future challenges.
Khaled Hashem, President of Honeywell Middle East and Africa, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Honeywell is delighted to continue collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Education through our Futureshaper Lab projects. Our ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to driving technological innovation and addressing global challenges. By providing these young South Africans with essential skills, we are helping them shape a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.”
Building on Success: From St. Barnabas to UJ Academy
The newly launched Futureshaper Lab is not Honeywell and GDE’s first initiative of its kind. It follows the success of the inaugural Futureshaper Lab, which was established at St. Barnabas Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in August 2022. Since its opening, the lab has positively impacted around 200 high school learners each year by providing them with a solid foundation in STEM. The new lab at UJ Academy aims to extend this success to an additional 120 learners, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 320 annually.
Matome Chiloane, MEC for Education and Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation in Gauteng, emphasized the project’s significance for South Africa’s future: “Expanding our work with Honeywell to include the Futureshaper Lab is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance ICT (Information Communication & Technology) education. This project is a key part of our strategy to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders. By creating an innovative learning environment, we are preparing students to tackle future challenges and contribute to South Africa’s growth.”
Read More: South African Students Set to Study Scarce Skills in China
Preparing South Africa’s Future Leaders
The Futureshaper Lab is designed to be more than just a learning space. It aims to foster a new generation of South African tech leaders equipped to address both local and global challenges. The students who pass through the lab will gain skills that can open doors to various career paths, including entrepreneurship, professional employment, or higher education. As technology continues to be a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth, the importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated.
One of the core goals of the project is to ensure that South Africa remains globally competitive by providing the tools necessary for young people to excel in STEM fields. By investing in education, both Honeywell and the GDE are playing a critical role in shaping South Africa’s technological future. The establishment of these labs also speaks to the broader national agenda of improving STEM education and reducing the skills gap, particularly among underprivileged communities.
Empowering Teachers for Long-Term Success
In addition to equipping students with cutting-edge skills, the Futureshaper Lab will also focus on empowering the teachers at UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation. Teachers will undergo specialized training to ensure that the program remains sustainable and continues to meet the needs of learners over the long term. This teacher training is critical to the project’s long-term success, as it ensures that the knowledge imparted to the students is both current and relevant to the fast-evolving field of technology.
The curriculum at the Futureshaper Lab has been thoughtfully designed to not only provide students with the knowledge they need for today but also to give them a competitive edge in future studies and careers. This holistic approach ensures that students leave the lab with a strong foundation, enabling them to thrive in whatever path they choose—whether that be furthering their education in university or entering the workforce directly.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation. With a focus on high-tech and innovation, the school is committed to nurturing top-tier talent in the fields of science, engineering, and technology. The addition of the Futureshaper Lab is a natural extension of this mission. By offering students access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies, the lab encourages experimentation, creativity, and problem-solving—all essential skills in today’s technology-driven world.
By integrating coding, robotics, and programming into the curriculum, the Futureshaper Lab seeks to inspire students to think critically and innovate. Hackathons, coding clubs, and training camps are not just educational tools but also platforms for students to collaborate, compete, and push the boundaries of their knowledge.
The Broader Impact on South Africa’s Economy
The launch of this second lab highlights the critical role that technology education plays in South Africa’s economic development. As the country continues to strive for global competitiveness, ensuring that young people are well-equipped with STEM skills is essential. Initiatives like the Futureshaper Lab contribute to reducing the technology skills gap and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to excel in fields that are often seen as inaccessible.
Moreover, by focusing on Grade 8 to Grade 12 learners, the program ensures that students are introduced to advanced STEM concepts early on, allowing them to build confidence and competence in these areas as they progress through their schooling. This early exposure is key to ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also develop a passion for technology that could drive their future career choices.
A Brighter Future for South Africa
The Honeywell Futureshaper Lab at UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation is more than just a lab—it is an investment in the future of South Africa’s young people. By providing learners with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to excel in STEM, this initiative is helping to shape the future of the country. Honeywell and the GDE’s partnership is a shining example of how the public and private sectors can work together to drive positive change, ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of technological innovation and education.
As the world continues to evolve, projects like the Futureshaper Lab are essential for preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. With the ongoing support of Honeywell and the Gauteng Department of Education, South Africa’s learners are being given the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.
