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Women in Science celebrations dispel myths about successful women in successful careers
The overwhelming support received from the schools in Ba-Phalaborwa for Women in Science - SAEON's Role-Modelling Campaign for 2006 - once again bears testimony to SAEON and its partners' credibility and the growing enthusiasm for science awareness programmes in the region. In fact, Phalaborwa was the only centre in Limpopo Province to host a Role-Modelling Campaign this year.
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The event paid tribute to, and gave exposure to women role models from Limpopo Province to demonstrate to girl learners that there are women scientists in their immediate vicinity, and to dispel the perception that successful women and the best careers are only found in big cities.
The Women in Science programme ran over two days. The first day took the form of an outing to give learners hands-on experience in environmental sciences. Activities on day two revolved around a formal ceremony with women role models as speakers. Girl learners in Grades 9, 10 & 11 and teachers from 12 high schools in Ba-Phalaborwa participated in the programme.
The Women in Science celebration is a unique science platform that is in line with National Women's Month. Hosting the event on 10 and 11 August captured the spirit of National Women's Day on 9 August but did not clash with other national events held on the day. SAEON's celebration on these days was welcomed as an addition to the school programme.
Getting up close and personal with endangered species
On Thursday 10 August, 58 girl learners and 18 adults including the SAEON staff, spent a memorable day at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). The Centre is well known for the successful breeding of cheetah in captivity, as well as other endangered species like wild dog, ground hornbill, and African wild cat. Of particular importance for Women's Day is that the founder and owner of the centre is a woman, Mrs Lente Roode.
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The group learnt about the history of the distribution of the cheetah, its physical adaptations, as well as breakthroughs and challenges of breeding cheetah in the wild and in captivity. For the girls the undoubted highlight of the day was the once-in-a-life-time opportunity of getting up close and personal to one of Southern Africa's once endangered species, the cheetah, and to interact with specialists in the field of environmental sciences. The girls got the opportunity to touch a tranquilised cheetah and witness a medical procedure under the guidance of Prof David Meltzer.
An outdoor excursion was used effectively to demonstrate to the group how to use their senses, and teach them about the medicinal properties of plants, spoor tracking and various types of ecosystems.
Lessons learnt from role models
On Friday 11 August a formal ceremony was held at the community hall in Lulekani township, which was well attended by principals from primary and high schools, teachers and girl learners from most of the schools in the area, and representatives of government departments and other community organisations. The programme was informative and entertaining with a broad spectrum of speakers and vibrant entertainers.
Thembi Khoza, a plant pathologist, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the fact that the girl learners present were fortunate to have opportunities such as SAEON's Women in Science programme which provided the opportunity to engage with role models. Thembi spoke about the many resources that are freely available to further education. She also encouraged the girls to volunteer holiday assistance to gain experience in their field of interest as this will enable them to make an informed decision about their future career.
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A local girl, Dina Monyepao, who is a metallurgist and works for the Palabora Mining Company, spoke about the challenges facing women in mining. Dina works in a traditionally male environment and has 52 men under her supervision. Her speech led to active engagement with the audience.
Bekisa Zitha is a local potter who has no formal education at all. SAEON has helped her to put together a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the entire process from identifying and digging the clay to the complete product. The presentation depicts a combination of indigenous knowledge and skill that is on the verge of disappearing. The audience was humbled by this experience and gave MaZitha a deafening applause.
Amanda Thobela is in Grade 11 at Frans Du Toit High School. She is one of the learners who participated in the 5-day Holiday Programme presented by SAEON in June. In her presentation she shared what she learned and spoke about the impact the Holiday Programme had had on the group. Amanda is exceptional as a public speaker, but even more important is how well prepared she was. The lesson to be learnt is that providing a platform to young people to expose and develop their potential is as important as educating and training them. The other girl learners were spellbound by Amanda's presentation.
The event received extensive coverage in local and national newspapers, including Phalaborwa Voice and The Citizen.
