adminPeter Tanyanyiwa Cool Lifestyle reporter
High Schools Science Expo, the highlight of the World Water Day celebrations held at Dzivaresekwa 2 High School was won by Dzivaresekwa 1 High School with their best hydro-electric power generation model.
Zimbabwe United Nations Associations working in partnership with UNIC and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate organised the event.
The theme of this year´s World Water Day is “Water and Energy”.
The main concept behind the Science Expo was for students to make a model that would reflect sustainability in water as a source of energy and to show initiative and innovation.
Dzivaresekwa 1 High impressed the judges as it was felt that their model could prove to be a prototype for a practical gadget.
“We worked so hard on our hydro electric project, our school really supported us.
“I am just glad we have been rewarded for our hard work and devotion.
“Our project is simply a hydro-electric model requiring a high velocity channel like a river, and the turbine needs to be partly in water.
“On the turbine shaft is a mounted pulley, which drives the generator, thereby producing electricity. “The model produced 8 volts, but if developed it can produce up to 240 volts, hence this can help the Zimbabwean society as we face power deficits,” said Tafadzwa Perezo (17), a member of the Dzivaresekwa 1 High team. Mufakose 4 High who made a model of the country’s main power generation source the Kariba hydro-electric station came third in the Expo.
“Our school made a model of the hydro-electric station at Kariba where the country gets most of its electricity.
“We just wanted to show the other students what the power station that they always read about is really like.
“I am glad my school got in the top three schools and we are not going to rest as we look for other ways to use water in a sustainable manner,” said Isheanesu Madoro,
Mufakose 4 High School head boy.
Morgan High School did not make a mark in the models presentations but got to be noticed when the young dancehall chanter Ras Pompy took to the stage and entertained the school students and officials present.
THe youthful musician had the crowd on their feet and enjoying each and every moment of the event. Energy generation and transmission requires utilisation of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources.
Ban Ki-moon the United Nations Secretary-General said that all efforts to provide universal access to water and energy would be undermined if the current global warming trends continue.
The Secretary General appealed to the international community to “pledge to develop the policies needed to ensure that sustainable water and energy are secured for the many and not just the few”.
The many strong links between water and energy demand coherent, integrated policies and innovative strategies. Water must be used and electricity must be generated and distributed equitably and efficiently, so all users get a fair share. These are the goals of the ongoing work of UN-Water and of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.
The High Schools Science Expo aims to facilitate the development of policies and cross-cutting frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy.
Online Reporter