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05 January 2018 Photo Igno van Niekerk
Making a difference is Angela’s superpower
Dr Angela Stott-Vogt is passionate about making a difference wherever she goes.

As part of the Schools Partnership Project (SPP) based on our South Campus, Angela Stott-Vogt’s main work consists of mentoring science teachers in previously disadvantaged communities. As a passionate educator with an incredible eye for talent, it wasn’t long before her path crossed with those of the cream of learners. Several of these learners have all the odds stacked against them—poverty, lack of learning resources, unqualified or disinterested teachers. Yet, from the ashes of despair, Angela identifies phoenixes and makes them fly. 

When Angela starts sharing stories, there is no pretence or ego, but a clear sense of commitment, empathy, and passion are evident in every sentence.

“So, there’s this kid: Grade 8; dirt poor. Used to live with his mother, but she’s dead now—a desperate situation. But he loves science. He wants to buy a science kit from me. I asked him what he was willing to pay. He had R100. I told him that I would give it back to him if he worked through the Grade 10-12 books, which I then gave him. Within a few weeks he was back. I made him write the test I usually give teachers. They average about 60%. He got 90%. Next thing, he wants a chemistry kit. We got it sponsored. A comprehensive one. Worth more than R20 000. Then, by negotiating with a principal, we got him into a prestigious school. The other day he was in the school’s team for the Science Olympiad. They got into the final round. Then, a tiebreaker: A difficult question. Guess who knew the answer? Yes, he did. Won the competition for his school.”

Angela’s stories flow into one another. The same themes: Poverty and Potential. Creating opportunities. There are more children she is helping; each is a young scientist. There is a young boy who stays in a single-room house with his mom. The room is divided by sheets, which function as walls. In his ‘room’, he keeps a box of components and ‘science things’ he has collected from a rubbish dump nearby. When Angela assisted him in registering for a recent Science Expo, the boy needed string for his project. Angela smiles. “You know where he got it?” She pauses: “He used the string that was used to hang the sheets. There’s opportunity everywhere.”

And she is right, because everywhere she goes, Angela Stott-Vogt creates opportunities. Whether it be through science kits, expo participation, teacher mentorship, or learning opportunities—Angela’s superpower is making a difference.

News Archive

Exciting Science School of Excellence for Grade 11 learners presented
2009-05-21

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is presenting a Science School of Excellence for top achievers in Grade 11 from 6-9 July 2009. This will take place on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Four exciting days are planned during which Grade 11 learners will participate in challenging extra-curricular exercises as well as laboratory and research activities. All classes will be presented in English and Afrikaans.

A maximum of 80 learners can be accommodated and selection will take place on the basis of first come, first accepted. An application fee of R50,00 per learner is payable.

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2009. The successful candidate will be notified telephonically. A further registration fee of R200,00 is payable by the successful learners. Learners are responsible for their own transport and accommodation. The registration fee includes all meals, lectures and activities.

In order to qualify for the UFS Science School, learners had to achieve an average of 80% [level 7] during the 2008 Grade 10 final examinations. They also had to obtain a minimum of 80% [level 7] in Mathematics and Physical or Life Sciences during the same examination. Learners who are interested in the Department of Computer Sciences and Informatics will also need Grade 10 CAT at level 7. A certified copy of the learner’s school report must accompany the application form.

“Our vision is to make the Faculty the preferred choice in central South-Africa for those who wish to pursue their studies in the natural and agricultural sciences,” said Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the faculty.

For application forms and enquiries, please contact the coordinator, Mr Johan Kruger, at 051 401 3199.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
20 May 2009

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