South African youth
21 September 2007
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will officially launch the
Youth into Science Strategy (YiSS) aimed at promoting science and technology
literacy among youth in the country.
All media are invited to attend. Event details are as follows:
Date: 28 September 2007
Time: 13h30 for 14h00
Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg
The DST developed the YiSS as part of its goal to promote youth empowerment
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This is expected to ultimately close the skills gap by supporting all
efforts to improve the development of high level researchers, scientists and
technologists in the country.
The strategy draws on the lessons learnt from the implementation of the
Human Resource Development Strategy of the Department of Education, and the
National Research and Development Strategy of the DST.
The Deputy Minister of Education Enver Surty will officially launch the
strategy.
The departments of science and technology and education will collaborate in
the implementation of the strategy.
While it focuses mainly on school-going youth and undergraduate students in
the science field, other youth interventions are aimed at developing the skills
through technical colleges and out of school programmes.
Set targets include, among others, doubling the number of youth who
participate in the National Science Week activities; identifying and nurturing
at least 5 000 talented youth from disadvantaged background through the DST's
maths and science camps by 2010.
More than 500 learners and 100 educators from all nine provinces are
expected to attend the launch.
The official programme boasts a number of activities, including a tour of
the Sci-Bono science centre, an edutainment facility that boasts exciting
mathematics, science and technology activities.
There will also be invigorating presentations by young scientists.
Siyabulela Xuza (18) received "the First Award" and the "Best of Category
Award" at 58th Intel International Science and Engineering Faire in the United
States in May, for developing a safe and cheaper form of rocket fuel.
Bajabulile Shabangu was among top nine female matriculants from
disadvantaged communities, recognised by the National Science and Technology
Forum (NSTF) for obtaining highest marks in Maths and Science last year.
Safaa Saban, a Geoinformatics practitioner at Eskom, will make a
presentation about her experience on nurturing talent and potential in science
outside the normal classroom.
Enquiries:
Zama Mthethwa
Tel: 012 843 6781
Cell: 082 808 3956
E-mail: zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za
Celeste Tema
Deputy Director: Communication and Media Liaison
Department of Science and Technology
Cell: 083 399 0765
E-mail: celeste.tema@dst.gov.za
Lebs Mphahlele
Manager: Science & Youth,
Department of Science and Technology
Tel: 012 843 6875
Cell: 082 944 0011
E-mail: lebs.mphahlele@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
21 September 2007
