A science lab for Ekuphumleni Secondary School
2025-10-21
A fund drive made it all possible: the science lab at the Ekuphumleni Secondary School is being modernized! This is wonderful news for the students there, because the school places a high priority on teaching the natural sciences.
Inspired to take action
In early 2025, Josef Seiler from Karlsruhe took part in a project trip to South Africa and saw things for himself: students at this school were very clearly interested in science classes. What’s more, the lab at Ekuphumleni was in desperate need of renovation. It had not received any attention since the school was first built. Use of the room had been so intense that many of the workspaces were no longer functional. This observation gave him an idea.
An impressive fund-raiser
To celebrate his birthday, Josef Seiler initiated a fund-raising campaign: in lieu of presents, he requested donations to help overhaul the science lab. He then announced that he personally would match funds.
The unbelievable sum of €6,000 was raised - and thanks to Josef Seiler’s generosity, that added up to an incredible €12,000! This allowed the Samara Foundation, which is managing the project, to start taking action quickly.
The project
At the moment, we are modernizing the lab, replacing poorly-functioning workspaces and constructing new ones. In particular, we are creating space for the teachers and students to conduct experiments. The walls, ceiling and cupboards are being renovated. In the spring of 2026, students at the school – who already perform at higher levels than many other students nationally – will be able to enjoy science classes in a state-of-the-art-laboratory.
If you yourself are interested in starting a fund-raiser or would like to give a scholarship or donation instead of a material present for the holidays, have a look at our website for inspiration.