PROTEC: 42 years of impact in STEM education

The gala celebration hosted by PROTEC in August recognised the massive contribution that the non-profit’s donors and other stakeholders have made to the growth of successful careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields – and it highlighted its aim to deliver even greater impact going forward.

The dinner event celebrated the value being added by committed and loyal donors, the contribution by government and provincial departments, the support of PROTEC alumni, the achievements of the matric class of 2023, the loyalty of long-service staff members, and it introduced PROTEC’s five-year strategy from 2023 to 2028.

Francois Adriaan, PROTEC board member, acknowledged the 42 years that PROTEC has been building STEM careers. “What started with 67 learners in 1982 has now reached more than 40 000 learners who have been supported in their efforts to succeed beyond school and into STEM fields. This in itself is cause for celebration, but added to that is PROTEC’s next big step toward adding a further 200 schools to the programme – an exciting project that is loading as we speak.”

In his opening address, PROTEC chairperson and a PROTEC alumnus Anthony Hlungwane outlined the strategy: “While our model has served us well for decades and we will continue to introduce innovative programmes and platforms to stay abreast of digital megatrends, we are adjusting our focus to ensure we produce critical thinkers with the know-how and soft skills to navigate the evolving future world of work.”

He said PROTEC’s strategy includes:

• Expanding outreach to increase presence in underserved communities, using a combination of channels and partnerships: Technology will play a pivotal role in achieving this. Critical here, too, he stated, is the need to address the digital divide that exists in this country and further afield on the continent.
• Strengthening partnerships: “PROTEC cannot do this on our own and we will continue to build partnerships with more industry leaders and stakeholders – corporates, educational institutions, government – because ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. It takes all of us to partner to raise the youth of our country.”
• Sustainability: “We are implementing initiatives and practices to promote sustainability in PROTEC by diversifying funding sources, investing in technology, embracing innovation and adaptability, cultivating a loyal donor base, investing in staff development, ensuring good governance, encouraging a culture of giving, and ensuring effective measuring and evaluating of impact.”
• Building a stronger alumni network to support learners, graduates and all alumni in their professional and life journey.

In his closing notes, Balan Moodley, PROTEC CEO, acknowledge the multifaceted contributions that have enabled PROTEC to make such a tangible difference in so many lives, and in turn, on communities and the country. “The accomplishments celebrated at the gala event are a testament to the power of collaboration and the human spirit. Thank you to all for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming new partners and collaborators to this mission. Let’s continue to empower, educate and uplift our young people.”