SEVEN learners from Star College participated in Mostratec, an international science, technology and education Olympiad, in the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do sul state, Brazil recently (23 to 26 October).
Mostratec exhibits 420 research projects from Brazil and several other countries.
It also has the Integrated Events, such as SIET (The International Seminar on Technical Education), school research projects, Educational Robotics, sports and cultural activities.
The Star College learners, Yashlin N Odayar (Grade 10), Karthik Padayachee (Grade 10), Shashidar Surianarayan (Grade 10), Ryan Ramiah (Grade 11), Divashan Anamalay (Grade 11), Kaylan Naidu (Grade 11) and Himal Govender (Grade 11) entered their projects in three different categories.
It was the first time that South Africa participated in this Olympiad.
The organisation commemorates each country with a tree planting ceremony whereby each country plants a tree. The idea is that next year when new learners come through, they will be able to eat the fruits from the trees planted the years before.
Some trees are well grown, but as South Africa entered for the first time, they had two empty holes to plant their orange trees.
The Grade 10 learners received “Honourable Mention” and also were announced as having the Top Project in Africa.
The learners also traveled to Sao Paulo and participated in a cultural exchange programme which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Yashlin Odayar said: “The planning for the trip was extremely stressful. When we arrived in Brazil I was slightly confused as it is so different. But as it was the first time for South Africa to take part at the Olympiad, we were welcomed so warmly by the locals. At the Olympiad we experienced approximately 30 diverse cultures, saw over 420 projects and I believe there were 1200 participants.
“It was really such a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures and ethnics of another country. Overall I am extremely glad that I was able to take part in such an opportunity. It was nerve-wracking, but our South African team would like to go again next year. I want to thank Mr Aziz for being an excellent mentor and supervisor,” said Odayar.
“Special thanks goes to Mr Aziz on behalf of our school for accompanying our stars. You are appreciated. I think the trip was a great experience for our learners. Thanks to all the parents for their support,” said school principal, Osman Karaayvaz.
