In a rapidly changing world, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is placing people not just technology or policy at the heart of learning. Through innovative programmes, interactive exhibitions and community-focused initiatives, Sci-Bono is redefining education as a collaborative, inclusive and learner-focused journey.
Young people are increasingly drawn into a space of innovation and collaboration, where Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was groundbreaking, taking the lead into technological advancement. It cannot be denied that we are rapidly transitioning into the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), also known as Industry 5.0. This exciting phase is shaped by a move that harmoniously brings together not just people and machines, it also advocates for collaboration, sustainability, solution driven innovations and focuses on human-centricity.
Human-centricity in education
Human-centricity in education as both philosophy and an approach for holistic well-being, focuses on encouraging curiosity, responsibility, empathy and critical thinking. Sci-Bono continues to foster these qualities in the development of young people's full potential. This was again demonstrated in the 9th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp & Teacher Workshop held in Shaanxi Province, China, from July 14-20, 2025.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the GDE took 5 learners (three grade 10's and two grade 11's) chosen from across Gauteng Schools to join students and educators from Belt and Road partner countries for in a week of scientific exploration, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning, organised by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.
The Belt and Road partner countries are defined as a network of infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines, and other development projects, primarily in Asia, Africa and Europe.
The young people, were very proud to represent South Africa and shared their excitement of everything they saw, touched, tasted, learned and importantly will be sharing with fellow School mates, friends and families. Thanking Sci-Bono for the cultural exchange opportunities and facilitating the Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STREAM) experience.
The event successfully achieved its objective for international collaboration and Sci-Bono with the support of GDE, proudly played a leading role in supporting leaners and teachers.