Pupils inspired by Stem careers
PUPILS from two Langa schools were taught about coding and were inspired by Naadiya Moosajee, co-founder of Women in Engineering.
Ikamvalethu Secondary School and Langa High School were treated to a Women In ICT Celebration at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
To engineer was human, and mastering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) made us all real-world superheroes, said Moosajee, an engineer and social entrepreneur.
She was speaking at the launch of UWC’s Women In ICT Celebrations.
Moosajee, who is working to develop Stem talent among girls in African countries, said: “Engineers are everywhere. Everything around us has been engineered in some way – the cars we ride in, the cellphones we send messages with, the chairs we sit in, even the make-up we wear and the food we eat; there’s maths and science in everyday life.”
Moosajee urged learners to think about their own lives, to find their passions and their strengths, and to see the gaps where science and engineering could make a big difference.
“Where most people see problems, engineers see – or try to see – solutions, and entrepreneurs see opportunity.
“Good engineering is all about people. It’s not just about solving technical challenges – it’s about solving real problems, and making real lives better. Our economy needs entrepreneurs – people who can provide jobs and opportunities for others; and for that we need innovation,” Moosajee pointed out.
The programme is set to continue with learners from other schools being given the opportunity to learn from a variety of speakers.
Pupils from Langa High School, Dylan Crakuzira and Sivuyile Sonjicci, raved about the programme.
“We learnt a lot. Some of us don’t know what we want to do with our lives, but now we know what subjects to choose, and how to get the most out of school and university,” said Crakuzira, an aspiring mechanical engineer.
Sonjici said: “I also want to be a mechanical engineer one day – to be creative and build new things and fix problems. I hope some of the other learners were as inspired as I was.”