The German International School Cape Town (DSK) officially launched its new STEM Centre last Thursday.

The STEM Centre aims to address the critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills gap in South Africa, equipping pupils with essential 21st-century skills for future jobs in engineering, AI, robotics, and other global careers.

The R38 million building features advanced laboratories, innovative learning spaces, and sustainable design elements primarily for DSK pupils.

However, the school’s broader vision is for the STEM centre to extend its impact to the wider community.

Through partnerships with other schools, non-profits, business, and community organisations, DSK aims to promote STEM education across the region.

“Our aim is for the DSK STEM centre, or MINT Zentrum as we call it, to be a model of innovation and excellence in education. We provide learners with the best possible environment to excel in STEM fields, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future. With experts predicting a global shortfall of 2.5 million engineers annually by 2030, and an additional 2-3 million needed across Africa, we’re committed to playing a role in addressing critical skills gaps like these,” said Sabrina Gellermann, principal of DSK.

“Our innovative learning spaces offer hands-on, fun, and experiential opportunities to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM subjects. The centre is designed to develop both futuristic innovators and a strong foundation of skilled, passionate individuals to help tackle developmental challenges. The building is also a model for eco-friendly construction and responsible innovation, ensuring young people learn to innovate responsibly for a greener future,” said Astrid Schreier, Head of STEM.

The launch event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by David Maynier, MEC of Education, and the deputy consul general for Germany, Sven Hartwig.

“The Western Cape Education Department is committed to fostering innovation and equipping learners with the skills necessary to thrive in careers related to AI, robotics, and other advanced technologies. Initiatives like the DSK STEM Centre are vital in bridging the significant STEM skills gap in South Africa, which is essential for setting our learners on a pathway to work, and ensuring a brighter future for them all,” said Mr Maynier.

“The launch of the DSK STEM Centre marks a significant milestone not only for the school but also for the broader German-South African partnership in education and innovation. This building embodies the spirit of collaboration between our two countries, showcasing how we can work together to advance STEM education and equip the next generation with the skills they will need in a rapidly changing world,” said Mr Hartwig,

DSK’s pupils watched the construction of the centre with great excitement and are thrilled to be using the facilities.

“The new STEM Centre is amazing. It is great to have so much space for experiments. I almost feel like a professional scientist because everything is modern and uncluttered and all our science subjects are taught under one roof. The beautiful views from our classroom make the space even more inspiring,” said Ava Gaqa, a Grade 10 pupil.

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DSK launches R38 million STEM centre