adminSpeaking during the Matabeleland South’s annual Provincial Young Scientists Exhibition held in Beitbridge on Friday last week, Mrs Thabela said science played an integral part in a school’s curriculum and the economic development of the country hence the need to promote it at grassroots level.
“Science is an integral part of our curriculum through which we can address some of the environmental and economic challenges faced by our communities. In light of that, Government introduced the concept of science exhibitions so that we are able to impart scientific skills and principles to pupils at primary and secondary level.
“The purpose of science exhibitions competitions is to provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. We therefore urge stakeholders to collectively participate in promoting scientific skills and principles through complementing Government efforts by mobilising resources,” she said.
Mrs Thabela said science exhibitions were important as they created an opportunity for pupils to widen their scope as they would be able to interact and share scientific knowledge.
“Most of our science inventions are stillborn largely because of lack of funding hence we encourage businesses and partners to chip in with funds so that we are able to develop science and technology in our country,” she said.
Speaking during the same occasion, the branch manager of ZB Bank in Beitbridge, Mr Mutongi Makumbirofa, who was the guest of honour, said there was a need to support science exhibitions so that the country’s economy is better placed for the future generations.
“The purpose of science exhibitions competitions is to provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. It also enables school development committees to develop management and organisational skills in educational personnel.
“They provide a link between schools, districts and provinces and they also promote and nurture scientific skills which help maintain and develop the environment. Science exhibitions also pave a way for technological advancement and gives pupils the zeal and enthusiasm to pursue science at tertiary level,” he said.
Mr Makumbirofa said science exhibitions also equipped pupils with research methods, which are a key tool in the development of the economy.
“The gadgets and substances they produce can be refined for commercial use at a later stage. Management and biodiversity of the ecosystem are inculcated through these projects,” he said.
ZB Bank was among the major sponsors of the event.
Pupils from schools in Bulilima and Mangwe districts scooped most of the prizes in all the three categories for high, secondary and primary schools.
The winning schools and pupils received shields, prize money and certificates.
The categories included displays of material, investigations and designs.
The winners will represent the province in the national competitions in Harare later this year.
The Matabeleland South Provincial Science Exhibition was launched in 1997.
It was initially sponsored by Zimtrust, Action Magazine and rural district councils under their Campfire projects until 2010 when the National Association of Primary School Heads and the National
Association of Secondary School Heads took over in conjunction with partners.
This year’s science exhibition, which was co-hosted by Vhembe High School and Dulibadzimu Primary School, was held under the theme: “Harnessing environmentally available resources for a better economy”.
Online Reporter