Maths, Science And Technology Symposium

22 August, 2008

More than 150 pupils from rural schools in western eThekwini attended a two-day maths, science and technology symposium recently. The symposium, at the Inkosi Msinga Mlaba Sports Complex in KwaXimba, near Cato Ridge, was part of City efforts to encourage pupils to take maths and science at higher-grade level.

Earlier this year, symposia for rural schools were hosted by the City’s Special Projects Unit at KwaMashu’s Princess Magogo, and Umlazi’s King Zwelithini stadiums. Derek Naidoo, Deputy City Manager for Procurement and Infrastructure, said the symposia aimed to address the national skills shortages in the engineering and technology industries. Naidoo said: “There is an extensive skills shortage, particularly in engineering, because pupils avoid taking maths and science at school.

“Our aim is to spark their interest from an early age, which is why we have included primary schools in the programme. One of the hurdles preventing pupils from studying these subjects is fear. We have endeavoured to prove to pupils that these subjects can be fun and easy to master,” he said.

Magash Naidoo, of Special Projects, said all schools that attended the symposium would receive resource kits. These include maths and science textbooks, educational games, scientific calculators and microscopes – all donated by local businesses. He said these would help teachers equip pupils with a better understanding of maths and science, so that “they have a firm foundation before going on to tertiary institutions”.

The recent symposium included scientific demonstrations by companies, as well as exhibitions and presentations on career options available to those who completed studies in science based subjects.

Naidoo said rural schools were a priority. “We need to spark their interest early on.” Simo Bhengu, a Grade 8 pupil from uXolophambili Secondary in Hammarsdale, said he had learnt about many careers in the math sand science fields. He would be applying for financial assistance from some of the companies that exhibited at the symposium. “Symposiums give us firsthand experience on things whenever get to learn in our schools because of limited resources. We appreciate it very much,” he said.

MchunuK@durban.gov.za

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