By Hazel Sambo and Dikatso Selemogwe
The University of Pretoria and the US embassy have opened a science education facility at Meetse A Bophelo Primary School in Mamelodi.
Donald Thabang, a Grade 3 pupil at the school, saluted the University of Pretoria and the US embassy for bringing the facility closer to him and the rest of his community.
Thabang applauded his teachers for encouraging him to read more books to enhance his knowledge.
"I hope we can come here every day. It is a wonderful facility," said an excited Thabang.
Thabang is one of several children in the township who will from now enjoy access and use of a new science and technology facility.
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The Mae Jemison US science reading room was opened last Friday at the Mamelodi campus of the University of Pretoria by the US ambassador to South Africa, Eric M Bost, and the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Calie Pistorius.
Established at a cost of R2,5-million, the facility is aimed at boosting science education in the community and interest in related subjects.
The reading room was named after the first African-American woman astronaut, Dr Mae Jemison, whose historic flight on the space shuttle Endeavor, took place on September 12 1992.
The facility houses books, films, magazines, computers with Internet access, exhibition space and is also equipped with an audio-visual auditorium which enables multimedia presentations and sessions.
According to Edwin Smith, director of the Mamelodi campus, local high school pupils will be the primary beneficiaries of the reading room.
"However, UP students, local school teachers and community members interested in science will also have access to the reading room and its facilities," Smith said.
- This article was originally published on page 5 of Pretoria News on November 25, 2008
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