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Bulawayo Bureau
A 17-year-old Bulawayo Dominican Convent High School pupil will in May represent Zimbabwe in a global science competition in Texas after developing a computer programme that translates sign language into English using coding.
Sign language is one of Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages, but arguably one of the least used.
If scaled, this sign language interpreter with a built-in translator will improve communication between hearing impaired and able-hearing communities, not only in Zimbabwe, but globally.
Joanette Ngwenya, who is the head girl of the school, wowed Zimbabwe Science Fair judges in February and came up tops before she was selected to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the US.
The Regeneron ISEF is the world’s biggest pre-university science competition which gathers the brightest young scientists and engineers from around the world to compete for over US$5 million in cash awards and scholarships.
It also gives “Olympic level” young scientists and engineers the highest level of rewards, opportunities, media platforms and forum.
Zimbabwe’s delegates to past editions of the Regeneron ISEF won scholarships, got minor planets to be named after them, as well as scooped top special and grand awards.
Dominican Convent headmistress Sister Rose said the school held an aerobathon during the past weekend to help Joanette with funds and managed to raise US$1 510 towards her US trip.
“We are thrilled to see one of our students excel in the national science fair and qualify to represent us in the US. For us, this is both a testimony and an opportunity as it testifies to the holistic education that we offer. We do not exclusively focus on academics but on innovative thinking and taking ownership of the educational journey,” she said.
“We teach each student to challenge themselves and Joanette has managed to create a project that supports our values of community impact and social inclusion. She will shine as a beacon for us giving us the opportunity to showcase the eclectic experience of learning at Convent where we put value on academics, sports, mental wellness and innovative strategies to change the community one day at a time.”
Joanette’s mother, Ms Gladys Bugalo, said the family was ecstatic and humbled by Joanette’s nomination.
“We are seeking sponsorship for our daughter who has been nominated to go and represent Zimbabwe at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas US from May 13 to 19. The sponsorship sought is for airfares, visa application, accommodation, and general upkeep while in the US. We need about US$5 000 and we hope that we get all the help so that she attends this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
Those interested in helping fulfil Joanette’s dream of traveling to the US may contact the school on 0292881895 or her mother on +263778819696.
In her problem statement, Joanette said what inspired her to develop the programme was the fact that a majority of hearing people have no interest in sign language.
She also realised that a number of researchers had found out that students who can hear had the most negative comments about their hearing impaired peers and also had the worst signing skills.
“A major element possibly missing in the education system of the hearing impaired in Zimbabwe, is a more widespread acceptance and use of deaf culture in schools.
“The marked difference between the total population of hearing individuals and the number of hearing impaired individuals is significantly large, giving the effect that many hearing persons may have a very little chance of having an encounter with a hearing impaired individual, making the hearing person find learning sign language not particularly in their interests or find it as something not so crucial to gain skill in,” she said.
Online Reporter