Event advocates STEM for girls

Learners from Pinegrove Primary School and Phandimfundo Secondary School from Etwatwa recently took part in a one-of-a-kind oral competition at Pinegrove Primary School.

The learners, between the ages of 13 and 15, participated in the #BreakingTheStereotype’s #EmpoweringHerVoice oral competition.

The competition hosted by #BreakingTheStereotype, a nonprofit organisation (NPO) aimed to raise awareness and allow learners to generate effective ideas and reasons why girls do not take on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and devise solutions.

#BreakingTheStereotype seeks to advocate for an inclusive environment for women in STEM and demystifies the myth that science and engineering are for men.

The aim of the NPO is to motivate girls to take on math careers, encourage students studying science and engineering at institutions of learning, and support science and engineering professionals.

The purpose of the competition was to empower young girls to understand the importance and power of their voices and to boost their confidence.

Also, to improve presentation, communication, and articulation skills in both girls and boys, the learners were asked to write essays explaining why girls do not take on STEM subjects and suggesting activities that can be done in schools to empower girls.

The top 15 learners were selected to do an oral presentation in front of a panel of esteemed judges.

During this session, a panel discussion took place with the aim of empowering and motivating young girls to take on STEM subjects.

The top 15 learners were selected to do an oral presentation in front of a panel of esteemed judges.

During this session, a panel discussion took place with the aim of empowering and motivating young girls to take on STEM subjects.

The top 3 learners received cash prizes: in third place, Mbali Pretty Kabini from Phandimfundo Secondary School won R1 000, and in second place, Bande Msibi from Pinegrove Primary School won R1 500.

The winner, Puleng Vilakazi from Pinegrove Primary School, won R2 500.

Apiwe Hotele, founder and director of the organisation expressed gratitude to Pinegrove Primary School for agreeing to host the event and assisting with its planning.

“We’re also thankful to Phandimfundo Secondary School for participating and transporting the students, and to our sponsors for donating cash prizes and catering,” said Hotele.

“We are planning to go bigger and better next year.”

“We would like to invite more schools to participate, as well as partners and sponsors, in order to multiply the impact.”