Strand school community rallies to get prize planetarium dome to SA

Teachers from Rusthof Lsen, a special needs school in Strand, were ‘over the moon’ when they won a digital planetarium dome for their learners but a bump in the road came when they realised shipping it from London and setting it up would be too costly.

The 360° dome, created by Immersive Experiences, is valued at R142 000 and offers children a sensory learning experience of the planetarium system.

Shipping the prize and buying additional equipment for the dome to function would cost the school over R58 000.

Educator Jevonn Cloete said the school is raising funds to get the planetarium to South Africa because it would be an incredible and immersive experience for the learners who mostly come from underprivileged backgrounds.

“We need to give our special needs kids the opportunity to experience a sensory activity like no other,” he said.

In March, Deputy Principal of Rusthof, Zelda Botha, attended a virtual SchoolScape IT conference where the planetarium dome was the grand prize.

Student teacher, Ashley Fraser, said the planetarium would bring the children joy and allow them an escape from their daily challenges.

“After spending some time at Rusthof, I really got to experience what wonderful learners and staff make up the school, but I also learned of many of the learners’ difficult circumstances. I believe surrounding schools and communities will also be able to benefit from this incredible prize.”

Cloete is currently hosting a weekly Zumba fitness class to raise funds for the shipping costs to get the dome to South Africa.

“Most of us special needs kids hail from poor socio-economic backgrounds where our parents can't afford bus fees or school fees. We try to give them experiences at the school, we want to bring the planetarium to the children,” he said.

For more information and how to get involved, visit their BackaBuddy profile.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ashley-fraser