The Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Mahlundile Qwase, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology officially launched the 2009 Science Week at Cradock Agricultural Show Grounds, on 31 July 2009.
This year’s Science Week is an initiative aimed to excite youth with science at an early age and encourage them to develop interest in studying mathematics and science.
Addressing students, teachers and community members MEC Qwase emphasised on the theme of Science Week which states that “tomorrow’s science and technology is/are in our youth’s hands.” He stated that more emphasis is required in physical science as students seem not to be strong in it and said that hampers their performance at tertiary level.
“I humbly urge teachers to do more in exposing their students in gatherings of this nature because that will assist them to realise how significant it is to be a scientist in one’s country,” said Qwase.
Sharing sentiments about the Science Week, Mrs Bukelwa Masiza, a science teacher at Taleni JSS in Dutywa, disclosed that her students are part of the programme.
“I am glad that my students had the opportunity to interact with the scientists, and I am certain they are inspired with what they saw. I also trust that economic growth is possible with improvement in science and technology.
Furthermore, I frankly express gratitude to the Department of Education and the Department of Science and Technology for giving our students this exposure,” concluded Masiza.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
4 August 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoe.gov.za/)
