Sasol In Society Report - Book - Page 48
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Year in Review: South Africa
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STEM in schools
STEM in basic education is important because it:
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Teaches critical thinking skills
Instills a passion for innovation
Creates critical thinkers
Increases science literacy
Enables the next generation of innovators
According to the United Nations, sustainable
development and innovation are anchored
in solid scientific knowledge, cutting edge
technology, advanced engineering and
mathematical skills. For countries to thrive in
a fast-changing world of technology, investing
in STEM education is essential. Currently there
is a significant gap globally in the performance
of African learners in STEM compared with the
rest of the world. The United Nations report
on STEM Education and Inequality in Africa
indicates that by the end of the primary
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SASOL IN SOCIETY 2023
schooling phase, only 18,65% of the learners
achieve minimum proficiency levels in
mathematics compared to 58,11% in the rest
of the world. The Sasol Foundation thus
recognises the pivotal role of STEM education
in economic advancement and development.
We believe that our partnership with
government and other organisations will
promote and improve STEM education from
primary school level, serve as a catalyst for
positive change and contribute to South Africa’s
growth and global competitiveness.
