Ardagh for Education empowers South African learners

Published: August 6, 2025

Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa (Ardagh) has celebrated the one-year milestone of Ardagh for Education, an ambitious ten-year commitment to transform STEM education in over 200 schools surrounding the company’s South African operations.

Ardagh for Education is a global education initiative delivered by Ardagh Group, which has successfully launched similar programmes in North America, Europe, and South America.  Ardagh for Education was formulated based on the recognition that access to quality STEM education remains uneven across the country.

Over the next decade, Ardagh anticipates reaching more than 200 schools, supporting 1,100 educators, and enriching the learning experiences of over 300,000 learners from grades four through twelve. To date, the programme has reached 30,654 learners and 359 teachers in 38 schools in Wadeville, Nigel and Clayville.

Paul Curnow, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa, said: “We believe that equipping young people with technical skills and scientific knowledge early in their educational journey will nurture the scientists, engineers, and innovators who will shape the future of South Africa. This conviction aligns with the social pillar of our sustainability strategy, extending that commitment beyond our products to the communities where we operate.”

Because empowered teachers create exponential impact, the programme design focuses intensively on teacher development through comprehensive training and ongoing support. Learners impacted by Ardagh for Education experience hands-on activities that bring scientific concepts to life, developing a practical understanding of essential Twenty-First Century skills that will serve them throughout their careers, while mobile labs provide stimulating science and lab equipment to schools, creating engaging spaces for learning.

Ardagh for Education is being rolled out by implementation partner PROTEC – a national, independent, non-profit organisation that provides holistic, high-quality education and career support programme development. “It is always encouraging when an initiative takes a long-term, strategic approach to educational capacity building and is designed to create widespread, lasting impact,” said PROTEC CEO Balan Moodley. “Our partnership with Ardagh for Education embodies a shared commitment to empowering future generations through quality STEM education. This visionary programme dramatically improves the output of matriculants qualified for STEM-related tertiary studies and successful careers, which has been PROTEC’s constant ambition for decades. The progress we’ve seen in teacher upskilling and student engagement over the past year is a testament to the dedication of all involved, from the educators and learners to the communities and the Ardagh team.”

The programme is championed by Ardagh Ambassador and Springbok rugby player Damian Willemse, who shares Ardagh’s passion for and commitment to community development. “I am always overcome with gratitude when reflecting on my own childhood and the educational support that I received,” said Willemse. “Now, through Ardagh for Education, I’m excited by the opportunity to mentor and offer guidance to the next generation of young people. I’m excited by the potential Ardagh for Education has to create widespread impact in South Africa, and by the opportunity I’ve been given to play a role in giving back and helping the next generation achieve their dreams.”

“Being part of the Ardagh for Education programme has transformed the way I teach science,” said Nompilo Mthethwa, a participant from Landulwazi Secondary School in Ekurhuleni South District (Wadeville). “The training has given me new techniques to explain complex concepts, and the resources provided have made practical lessons possible. My students are more engaged, and I can see their confidence in STEM growing every day.”

This first year has been a period of significant growth and learning, setting the stage for the continued expansion and deepening of the Ardagh for Education programme. Schools will remain within the programme through teaching committees and a recognition system to maintain school and teacher engagement, while additional schools will be added.

Curnow concluded, “As we make progress on this ten-year journey, we do so with deep pride and excitement about the possibilities ahead. The Ardagh for Education initiative is one of community and impact; our goal is to make a meaningful investment in Ardagh communities and support our purpose: We make packaging for good. This programme reaffirms our commitment to South Africa, to its people, and to realising their immense potential.”

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