Kathu Solar Park continues its commitment to improving education in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Municipality through its 2025 Back to School Programme, which launched at the beginning of this month. This year’s initiative benefits over 1,000 learners and aims to reduce educational inequality by equipping financially disadvantaged students with the resources they need to succeed.
The programme, rolled out in two phases, provides essential school items including uniforms, backpacks, and—new this year—scientific calculators to support learning in mathematics and science.
The introduction of scientific calculators reflects a focused effort to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and respond to recent curriculum changes. These tools are designed to improve problem-solving abilities, deepen subject understanding, and better prepare learners for academic assessments. When effectively integrated into teaching, calculators can significantly enhance learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics and science.
“The Kathu Solar Park’s Back to School Programme seeks to address several key educational challenges in the JTG Municipality. It aims to reduce educational inequality by providing essential resources to financially disadvantaged students, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed,” said Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, SED Manager at Kathu Solar Park. “This initiative also alleviates the financial strain on low-income families, allowing them to focus on other critical needs. Furthermore, the programme strives to boost student motivation and engagement, leading to improved attendance and academic results. By investing in education, the programme hopes to increase graduation rates and create opportunities for socio-economic mobility in the long term.”
Phase 1, completed in March, supported 277 learners across seven schools with uniforms and calculators. Sishen Intermediate School was also supported through an IPP collaboration between Kathu Solar Park, Sishen Solar Facility and REISA, where 200 learners benefitted from backpacks, full winter and summer uniforms, school shoes and over 170 calculators for grade 8 and 9 learners. Phase 2 will reach an additional 13 schools, including three schools in collaboration with the Sishen Iron Ore Corporation Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT).
Since its inception, the programme has shown steady growth. In 2023, 280 learners were supported. In 2024, the number rose to 434. With over 1,000 learners supported in 2025, Kathu Solar Park reaffirms its dedication to fostering brighter futures for young people in the region.
