- Durban local nominated for international award honouring social commitment in the automotive industry.
- Science2Go program provides crucial STEM education to under-resourced schools, benefiting over 120,000 learners and 450 teachers.
- MAHLE Global recognises Science2Go as having potential for global impact.
MAHLE, is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, whose South African division has recently nominated one of their own for international recognition.
Jolene Van Heerden, Communication Manager for MAHLE Behr South Africa (Pty) Ltd, is one of the top 10 global employees that have been nominated for an award honouring social commitment in keeping with MAHLE’s values.
The nomination is in recognition of Jolene’s drive, enthusiasm and commitment to the Science2Go CSI programme, that provides maths and science tuition to rural and under-resourced schools, filling a much-needed gap in STEM education.
The success of this programme is evident in the statistics. Since its inception in 2015, the programme has grown from one vehicle to 6, with the potential to extend to another 10 with the support of some blue-chip companies like Ford and Astron energy. In addition, in excess of 120 000 learners and 450 teachers are benefitting from this initiative, which is recognised by the Department of Education.
“I am humbled to be recognised for this rewarding work,” comments Van Heerden, “I’ll take anything that raises the profile of the programme so that MAHLE can continue to grow our access to those that need our support most!”
“It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work with Jolene. She has a far-reaching vision for the MAHLE SA and CASME partnership and it has been inspiring to see her systematically build that partnership one strategic piece at a time,” says Henre Benson, Board Member for the Centre for Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME).
Jolene’s team praise her phenomenal communication skills and her contribution as an ambassador for both MAHLE and the Science2Go which has turned this project into something that has the potential to have a global impact. They are inspired by her to think out of the box, constantly striving for innovative solutions that assist in solving everyday problems. “She embodies all that MAHLE stands for and exudes passion and excellence in all that she does, she stands out from the crowd and so does her work!”This special award becomes the public choice, meaning that all MAHLE employees around the world get to decide who receives it. The award will be presented at the International Executive Meeting that will be held on October 2023.
