Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

The Japanese government has donated R400000 to the Sophungane Combined School in KaHoyi village, Mpumalanga to build a laboratory.

The donation was made through the government of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects Programme which also funds hospitals, schools and non-governmental institutions.

Yoshiki Matsumoto, a representing of the Japanese embassy, said Japan was striving to improve the culture of learning, teaching and service delivery in education.

"The government of Japan has emphasised the importance of maths and science in the development of developing countries," said Matsumoto.

"Japan and the Mpumalanga government have effectively implemented a seven-year technical co-operation focusing on mathematics and science," he said.

Matsumoto said Japan had dispatched some 19 volunteers to Mpumalanga.

He said when the Japanese embassy received the school's application for funds to help build the laboratory they helped because they were impressed by the school's achievements. Sophungane has achieved a 100percent pass rate for three years in a row.

Mpumalanga MEC for education Siphosezwe Masango said the new laboratory would help reduce the challenges faced by the school's science teachers and pupils.

Masango said: "I am totally indebted to the Japanese government for their contribution, which will help remove the barriers to excellence in maths and science in our schools."