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South Africa’s science programme for girls commended at United Nations

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:50

South Africa’s programme that has encouraged thousands of girls to pursue careers in the field of science and technology was presented to the delegates at the United Nations 55th Session on the Status of Women (UNCSW) taking place in New York.

The programme called “Techno Girls” has supported more than 4500 girls to study Maths and Science and pursue careers in science and technology in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape.

The programme targets dedicated grade 09-12 learners from disadvantaged communities. During the school holidays, these girls are placed in various companies, job shadowing business leaders to gain first hand insight into the running big corporate and career choices available. The programme maintains an exclusive focus on careers in the fields of Maths, Science and Technology.

Presenting the initiative at a special function organized by SA in New York, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana announced that the Techno Girls programme will be expanded nationally to increase the number of girls enrolled.

“Education is one of five key priorities of government and we need to use it as a tool to reduce vulnerability and empower girls. This programme is going to be expanded to the remaining provinces,” said Minister Xingwana.

Minister Xingwana said already there were 20 participants of the programme who have graduated with University Degrees in different fields of science and engineering related to the mining industry. These girls were awarded scholarships from the mining industry as a result of job shadowing programme.

Addressing the event, Senior Education Advisor for UNICEF, Dr Barbara Reynolds commended SA for its increased focus on education and expressed commitment to partnership with the country in the implementation of Techno Girls and other initiatives aimed at empower girls and boys.

Minister Xingwana will also present South Africa’s country statement to the main plenary of the United Nations.

The UNCSW, which is taking place from 22 February to 4 March, is an annual meeting attended by all UN Member-States and gender activists from across the world to measure global progress in improving the status of women.

The theme for this year is: Access to Education and Training, Science and Technology, including full employment and decent work.

BuaNews report edited by the Skills Portal