Bethelsdorp pupils excel in ocean poster contest
Two Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School pupils received a welcome surprise this week after their poster entries were selected as some of the best in the NRF-SAEON 2023 Atlantic Ocean Competition.
Mpumelelo van Wyk, from Izinyoka, and Leché Sampson, from Salt Lake both 15year-old grade 10 pupils entered the competition after their life sciences teacher, Nigel Beck, encouraged them to do so.
The department of science and innovations, in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), aims to inspire and educate people about the Atlantic Ocean through the competition.
Leché, who wants to study mechanical engineering after school, said she was surprised when her poster was selected.
“I wasn’t confident I’d be able to enter a good enough poster, but after my friends encouraged me, I entered.
“I couldn’t believe the poster focusing on stopping pollution and keeping the ocean clean could count as a winning entry,” she said.
Her classmate, Mpumelelo, an aspiring architect, said preparing his poster had been an emotional journey.
“There is no environmental awareness where I live, and my surroundings were my inspiration for my poster. I immediately said yes when I was approached to enter.
“I can’t wait to use the tablet we [each] receive as a prize as a video camera when I am busy with my drawings,” he said.
Beck said he was proud of the two pupils.
“Their posters were an interpretation of how to take care of the ocean.
“Life sciences is my area of specialisation.
“I am passionate about my subject, and I am very happy that our children’s work received recognition.”
Principal Jerome Meyer said he was pleasantly surprised when he got the news that the two pupils had done so well in the competition.
“I did not know that Beck had entered their work.
“He did everything behind the scenes.
“However, I am very proud, because he exposes our pupils to the broader life sciences field and the careers they can enter.”
Meyer said Bethelsdorp was often viewed negatively and an achievement like this could serve as an inspiration to their peers.