Young Entrepreneurs
Aimed at kids aged 7 – 18, this program teaches children vital entrepreneurial, financial literacy, employability and workplace readiness skills while also helping them start and grow their own micro-enterprises. Franchises are opening around the country with a number also available in Johannesburg (for those looking for a new business opportunity!) Various programmes are on offer, including Holiday Workshops, Parent Workshops (including how to raise financially savvy kids), and a variety of modules that require around an hour a week commitment.
Young Engineers
The premise behind this exciting program is that kids should learn arithmetic, physics, mechanical and software engineering through “edutainment”, in other words, without realising they are actually learning! The workshops and programs use specially designed LEGO bricks, stories, experiments and demonstrations that make kids actually WANT to attend. Plus, they cater for ages 4 – 15 (divided into various age categories). Birthday parties and holiday clubs are also on offer, and various schools have begun incorporating Young Engineers into their Extra-Mural Curriculum Program.
Little Scientists
Aimed at pre-primary and primary school children, this extra-mural and birthday party program aims to ignite a love of science, technology and engineering in younger children. Their “After School Lab” comprises a 45-minute weekly session and uses everyday materials to showcase how the world is a giant laboratory. Children come away with an exciting experience and understanding of the various roles of scientists, inventors and engineers.
TechnoLab
Based at the University of Johannesburg, TechnoLab customises workshops according to the age and needs of each group. As an example, their Robot science Program comprises 16 x 2-hour sessions in which students will learn to build and program a robot. The cost is approximately R4,800 and kids get to keep the robot that they built. Holiday Clubs are also available.
Think Ahead
Offering the exciting CODESPACE program as an extra-mural or holiday club, Think Ahead aims to help kids develop digital literacy, computer programming and the practical application of technology skills. The company also consults to schools and offers a new digital textbook solution. We approve!
STEM and Robotics
Suitable for ages 5 – 16, the STEM and Robotics Program consists of fun experiments, hands-on activities and interactive learning sessions. You can choose between their Coding and Robotics courses and STEM Holiday Clubs – classes are an hour long and take place at various schools and at the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.
Nutty Scientist
Their tagline is “A wacky way to make science stick”, and those-in-the-know can’t stop raving about their revolutionary methodology and programs. From after-school programs and summer camps to in-class workshops, birthday parties and school fundraisers – this award-winning curriculum is definitely worth investigating if you have kids aged 3 – 16! Why not chat to your school about the possibility of having this as a school extra-mural?
