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Smart Young Mindz competition

Gauteng science, maths learners win big

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:49

Gauteng’s top mathematics and science pupils walked away with cash prices of up to R50 000 for winning the Smart Young Minds competition.

The Smart Young Mindz competition is aimed at stimulating interest in young learners to study in the fields of maths, science and technology, reports the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Metropolitan Raucall were announced the winners of the R50 000 first prize during the award ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Metropolitan RAUCALL, affiliated to the University of Johannesburg (UJ), caters for selected high-school learners from disadvantaged communities who demonstrate potential for success in studies at higher education institutions.

A total of 107 distinctions particularly in mathematics, science, economics and accounting were earned last year.

The second prize went to Mondeor High School who bagged R30 000, third price of R20 000 went to Pretoria Girls High, fourth prize went to Fundulwazi High school who received R10 000.

The prize-money will be shared between the schools and the five member teams. The learners will each receive a cell phone valued at a R1000.

The competition is a corporate social investment programme designed and implemented by Blue IQ.

“The students here today are special. Out of 160 submissions (received), yours came out tops.

The purpose of the competition is to find learners that are clever, driven and creative,” said Blue IQ CEO Nomhle Ncaca as she congratulated the winners.

Ms Ncaca challenged the learners to work hard to realise their dreams, saying it was up to them to take the province and the country forward.

“We have a plan for a smart province. Hence we want people who are clever to take over from us one day. It is up to you to make a difference in your communities. (It is up to you) to create jobs.”

Dr Jonathan Jansen said he was looking forward to the day South Africa would have a Nobel Prize winner in the sciences.

Blue IQ, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education and the Sowetan, launched this year’s Smart Young Mindz competition at the Kliptown Secondary School in Eldorado Park in March 2008.

It culminated in 14 road shows to introduce the competition to learners. Entries were invited for works with themes ranging from environmental affairs to how to reduce crime.

Last year’s winners were given blazers and inducted into the Smart Young Mindz Alumni programme.

- BuaNews