BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
KWALUSENI – The first world vision for Eswatini is in safe hands.
This was confrimed by the many activities which revolved around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at the 2023 STEM Career Expo which was hosted by the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) today.
The event was held at the Universtity of Eswatini’s (UNESWA) Ligcabho Lemaswati Sports Emporium.
The STEM Career Expo featured exhibitions of STEM projects by hiigh school students which were judged as part of a competition, presentation by STEM-focused organisations like Ohm Mech Engineering, Stefanutti Stocks Ewatini, WomEng Eswatini, and the Eswatini Comunications Commission, as well the Royal Science and Technology Park.
One of the futuristic working models was a Modified Electrical Wheelchair by Tibusiso Ndlandla from Duze Hgh School. Ndlandla modified the electrical wheel chair with an extendable arm to aid people living with disabilites to reach and handle objects which would normally be inaccessible to them.
“I designed and made the model of the modified electrical wheelchair hich was to find out if it can be used to help people living with disabilities by performing certain tasks,” said Ndlandla.
Another highly engineered working model was from Ekudvwaleni High School, where the students made an ope-and-close overhead bridge.
“We are solving a problem whereby trucks carrying abnormal loads have trouble passing through certain bridges,” revealed one of the roject leaders from Ekudvwaleni High School.
Other shcools who participated in the working model competition included St Theresa’s High School, as well St Michael’s High School among others.
Speaking on behalf of one of the organisations which were present to support the youth in exposing them to STEM career opportunities was the Eswatini Communications Commission.
“The purpose of our exhibition is based on realisation that the youth needs information on STEM career opportunities. We noted that since we have some STEM career opportunities, we should come here and give them the infroation that would lead them towards STEM careers,” said Neliswa Bhembe from the Information Technology Department of the ESSCOM.
“We also need the youth’s energy in the telecommunications space – we don’t them to shy away from it, so we decided to put ourselves at the forefront to let them know of the opportunities available at ESCCOM and beyond,” added Bhembe.
Her sentiments were echoed by Eswatini National Youth Council Communications Officer Sibongakonkhe Mamba who explained that they were present to support youth development.
“We are gere today because this project by RSTP aligns with the National Youth Policy, which is a Government document to be used by all stakeholders in advancing youth development. This activity today aligns with pillars of the policy which speak to innovation, education and training,” said Mamba.
“We are encouraging young people to embrace such opportuinities and resources which are availed by Government to use them to their benefits, and use these opportunities to advance their personal agendas as well as the Government agenda. They can better contribute to the economy if they are well learned,” added Bhembe.
Other organisations which were present to support the youth as they explore career options in the STEM fields were the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF).
