30 Nov 2015

A team of six students has left for Daegu, South Korea, to compete in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) from tomorrow until December 11.  The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) in collaboration with Botswana Science Association received a sponsorship of over P180 000 from African Alliance to facilitate travel to and from South Korea.   

When giving a keynote address during the sponsorship unveiling and send off dinner at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng on Friday, permanent secretary in the MoESD, Mr Richard Matlhare said there was need to nurture talent from a young age. Mr Matlhare said he appreciates the young scientists, saying they had a bright future in science. 

He noted that the ministry was committed to providing an enabling environment for the youngsters to excel.He commended the teachers for doing a good job by making sure that the students were well equipped to compete in an event of that magnitude.

The permanent secretary said public private partnerships continue to bear fruit especially when reputable organisations such as African Alliance comes on board to enable the trip to be possible.

Mr Matlhare said science could diversify the economic as many countries had benefited from science inventions, and that Botswana was also making progress on science. He pointed out that the key thing was producing the right caliber of human resource that the country requires. 

The country coordinator and treasurer of Botswana Science Association, Ms Thandi Lekone said a few students were called and trained in preparation for the competition.She said during the process some were eliminated along the way and only the best were selected.

Ms Lekone said IJSO was a high standard competition than even the local syllabus, hence the need to train the children. “We have to motivate the students, make them understand science and gain experience so that they can compete at a global stage,” Ms Lekone said.

She said the students would compete on theory questions and practical tasks including cultural exchange. Ms Lekone said in 2013 they got bronze in India.

The chief executive officer of African Alliance Botswana, Mr Don Gaetsaloe said they were grateful for the hard work and commitment from the team and the students. Mr Galetsaloe said they support young minds that live in a constantly changing information, communication and technology world.

He said they pledge to continue supporting the science Olympiad competition and commit to sponsor and partner with MoESD. Ends