Bright sparks found at unlikely Bay schools

While the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists regional awards is renowned for its rich history of success and wealth of innovative ideas, it was an unlikely group of underprivileged youngsters who provided the flair for the prestigious awards on Friday.

Ndzondelelo High School pupils shone at the regional finals, scooping three gold awards, two special awards and flight tickets to the 2019 International Science Fair in Johannesburg in September.

More than 132 high schools in the metro took part in the regional finals, held at the Nelson Mandela University’s Missionvale campus on August 7.

Just 18 pupils are moving on to participate at the science fair in Birchwood, Johannesburg.

Regional Eskom science fair director Dr Marilyn Gibbs said the overall standard of the projects in 2019 was very good, with some innovative and creative ideas, especially from many new expo school entries.

“We congratulated [all the pupils who entered] and acknowledged expert teachers at these schools, as this support and commitment by the teachers is bringing good growth in the level of the science projects,” Gibbs said.

“Pupils from Ndzondelelo High, with their passionate science teacher, Vuyo Qweqwe, have received excellent support and partnership with Nelson Mandela University to assist the pupils in producing projects of a high standard and level.

“This opportunity has given pupils an experience of doing research in laboratories and using scientific equipment,” Gibbs said.

Schools interested in participating in the 2020 Eskom Expo can find all the details on the Eskom Expo national or regional websites.

Gibbs said that the expo was also offering training workshops for interested schools.