Lijeng Ranooe
THE Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association (LSMTA) and the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) have urged youths to cultivate an interest and participate in pure sciences and mathematics activities.
They made the call at a recent press conference in Maseru which was called to announce a M28 082.25 sponsorship for six students who will be representing Lesotho at the Eskom Expo for Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) to be held in Boksburg, South Africa from 3 to 6 October 2017.
The expo, which is in its 37th year, is aimed at developing young scientists and innovators. It also aims to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology and mathematics.
The students are set to leave for the expo on 2 October 2017 where they will showcase their various science research projects and experiments.
Speaking at the press conference, LSMTA president, Bobby Justice Mapheko thanked LEC for the sponsorship, saying, “It is because of them that we are able to send the students to represent Lesotho at the Eskom Expo”.
“The students have been on this journey with us since March this year and they have created innovative science projects. We are very proud of them.
“We encourage local companies and individuals to invest and support the various science initiatives in the country. The children have the potential to contribute to the economic development of the country and create jobs.”
He also explained that this was a great platform for the education system and a chance for the youth to get involved in the sciences as Lesotho needed more scientists.
Acting LEC Managing Director Cooperate Affairs, Bernard Masoabi, said his company was interested in innovative ways of developing renewable energy sources.
“This is why we try our best to fund initiatives that encourage interest in the sciences among the youth.
“We believe that this is great platform to encourage students to pursue a career in the sciences and we have great hope that the students’ projects will have a long-term impact as they develop them beyond the expo. In future, we hope to have projects that are aimed at saving the environment and improving agriculture.”
Seabeng Tsoeunyane, a student from Mafikoe High School in Mokhotlong, said she was “extremely honoured to represent Lesotho at the fair and I am obligated to do my best and help my fellow students stay motivated and use this platform as a starting point for our careers in sciences”.