Photo credit: Same view pictures
With youth month being concluded over the weekend, Brian Waves Development convened a Loxion science fair and expo that saw township school coming together to showcase their innovation on Saturday at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi Campus.
This was their 2nd annual loxion expo, which took place on 28th and 29th of June 2019.
The organization was excited to host this initiative, as it will allow them to make a difference in the townships and rural communities, targeting high schools learners out of school youth and members of the public.
At the science fair, learners were given the opportunity to present their science projects and compete on an even platform.
“It will encourage them to showcase their demonstrations without feeling intimidated or side lined by learners from well privileged schools, who have access to all the resources needed to execute a well-structured and advanced science projects.” Said Brain Waves development’s executive director, Lesego Masethe.
“Our mission is to promote an interest in science and develop a generation of individuals who will not only function in society, but thrive on many platforms exposed to them out there. The mission is to develop black scientist who are able to communicate their findings effectively. This expo will also ensure that we engage the public in the way Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEM) help us to better understand and improve our world.” She added.
Brain waves first science fair and expo was in 2018, which saw an attendance of 2 800 learners and just 18 projects submitted. This year the expo saw an attendance of less than 1 500 learners, but prided themselves on a turnout of 85 projects. Which were amazing. The learners tackled environmental issues and saw to find eco-friendly science based solutions.
The loxion science fair and expo ended with an awards ceremony. The winners of the expo are McDonald Monyama, Tshiamo Moumakwe and Calvin Konyana who shared the gold award category. The rest of the participating learners didn’t go home empty handed, there were silver and bronze medals handed to them. The winners in the gold category are moving to the regional Eskom expo, where again they will showcase their science talents, now on a provincial scale.
“We plan to fully support, mentor and make sure they have resources they will need to get ready for the regionals,” says Lesego.
