Annan wins gold medal for invention
CAMBRIDGE High School pupil, Vanessa Annan recently took part in the International Eskom Science Expo held in Boksburg, receiving a gold medal for her invention, The Aqua Powerhouse.
The Grade 11 pupil also received third place in the Water Engineering category for her invention.
For placing third, 17-year-old Annan received R2 000 from the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) as well as a R50000 bursary to study at Stellenbosch University once she matriculates.
“I am ecstatic because the achievement was unexpected. I went to the expo confident that I would do well, but my expectations were exceeded,” she said.
Annan's invention is a mobile water purification station that not only improves water quality but also provides households with a renewable source of energy for household use.
“Vanessa did incredibly well at the International Science Expo and we are extremely proud of her and her achievement,” Cambridge High School teacher, Lauren Whitaker said.
The inspiration for Annan’s invention stemmed from her passion and drive for changing people’s lives. The Aqua Powerhouse makes it easier to fetch and transport water from its source to the household, purifies water and powers the household's lights through the use of solar energy.
“I would like to study medicine at university because I am so passionate about improving peoples quality of life. This was the basis for my innovation,” Annan said.
“To receive a bursary from Stellenbosch is a life changing opportunity as I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to fund my studies.”