Careers Symposium at UKZN

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More than 2 400 pupils from 34 schools attended the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Careers Symposium held on the Edgewood campus.

The Symposium was organised by the Human Settlements, Engineering and eThekwini Transport Authority and Trading Cluster: Support Services in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES).

The cluster was created to groom future Engineers by identifying and managing the various STEM programmes for disadvantaged schools in the eThekwini Municipality region.

Learners from a wide spectrum of schools were transported by the eThekwini Municipality to the Edgewood campus to be at the official opening which featured speakers from the eThekwini Municipality, the Department of Education (DOE) and UKZN.

Programme Director, eThekwini’s Ms Gugu Shongwe, kept the learners interested while Acting Deputy City Manager, Trading Services Cluster, Mr Gideon Vundla, welcomed the audience giving an outline of the background, purpose and vision of the Careers week. 

eThewikini Municipality’s Councillor Barbara Fortein, representing the Mayor, said: ‘I was impressed to see so many young people from previously disadvantaged areas enthusiastic and eager to learn subjects perceived to be difficult. I feel really honoured to have been part of the launch of such a prestigious event.’

Lecturer in the School of Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Dr Meghandran Govender, presented a magic show which thrilled the audience.

Said Govender, ‘I was glad to see the emphasis placed on the importance of Mathematics and Science as career choices.  The positive response to the science demonstrations by the learners, educators and officials clearly indicates that science can be cool, fun and intellectually stimulating.’

In his address Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, said, ‘Your generation needs to make its mark in the history of this country by being clear about what you want to be taught in the classroom, which is quality education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. By this generation embracing STEM, we will not only have freedom but hopefully a more equitable and prosperous nation.’

Ms Anette Meyer of the Department of Education commended the various stakeholders for forming partnerships to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths among young pupils. ‘The event was well organised and structured and the programme content was appropriate. Dr Govender’s contribution was definitely the highlight of the launch!’

After the formal programme the learners where shown all the  21 exhibits and later treated to a delicious meal.

-          Leena Rajpal