Sci-Bono Discovery Centre with US Consul General inspire youngsters to shoot for the stars during science week
JOBURG – 'It's almost limitless, the things they can do if they study hard and pursue their dreams'.
The US Mission to South Africa, in association with Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, recently invited schoolchildren and inspirational women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to a screening of the heroic film Hidden Figures at the Discovery Centre in Johannesburg.
Those in attendance got to enjoy the movie and also take part in an informative panel discussion that focused on the challenges women face in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) fields.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre chief executive officer Dr More Chakane said, “Sci-Bono envisions a society with the capacity to compete in the global world of science and technology. This vision calls us to action towards ensuring that women in society are equipped with the skills, attitudes and values to participate in the world of science. Women’s participation in maths and science has always been much lower than that of men.”
Hidden Figures is about the incredible untold story of three African-American women (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson) who were the brains behind Nasa’s historic operation when they launched astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
They inspired generations to dream big and shoot for the stars.
US Consulate Johannesburg Consul General Mike McCarthy was in attendance and also emphasised the importance of female participation in these fields. “There is a gap and there are people who need the training. So, we have been working with Sci-Bono as part of the overall campaign to educate, especially the youth, on the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths.”
The film was a great way to keep the youngsters intrigued and captivated throughout the event as the nature of the film was easy to digest and understand.
“Some of the things I love about the movie is that it’s charming and it’s funny and yet it gets very serious points across, but in a way that makes it that much easier to embrace,” said McCarthy.
Some of the things McCarthy wanted the children to take away from this experience was the actual realisation that they can make a huge difference in their own lives and in the world around them. “It’s almost limitless, the things they can do if they study hard and pursue their dreams and especially if they have an interest in science and technology where there is so much need in South Africa and in the world to make a better a future.”
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