The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is significantly investing in local education, in an effort to train skilled people to participate in the project in future.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and SKA SA unveiled two community initiatives in Carnarvon, in the Karoo region, to boost maths and science skills in this and surrounding towns.

Science and technology minister Derek Hanekom" rel=tag>Derek Hanekom, alongside Northern Cape premier Sylvia Lucas and provincial MEC for education Grizelda Cjiekella, launched the e-Schools Initiative and opened a community knowledge centre.

The SKA SA e-Schools Initiative is a R2.5 million project that will deliver ClassMate laptops, connectivity and training to five schools near the SKA project. The laptops are preloaded with learning materials, lesson plans and tutorials focused on mathematics, physical science, life science and astronomy.

The community knowledge centre at the Bonteheuwel Library in the town gives the community access to more than 50 computers, a data projector, printer and Internet connectivity, as well as software, training and ongoing support and maintenance of the centre.

More than 10 private companies contributed to make the e-Schools Initiative and community centre possible.

Tracy Cheetham, SKA SA GM: people support and development, communications and project secretariat, says the SKA project should encourage learners to pursue maths, science and technology at a tertiary level and possibly join the SKA project in future.