Science Excitement Spreads to Rural Areas

CPUT staff and students are taking the world of science and technology innovation to rural learners.

The institution’s Service Learning and Civic Engagement Units, together with Camissa Solutions, were recently involved in a National Science Week project that traversed the Western Cape towns of Beaufort West, Laingsburg, Mossel Bay, George and Vredenburg, ending with a Hackathon at Uhuru Spaces in Woodstock.

National Science Week is an annual Department of Science and Technology, National Research Foundation and South African Agency for Science and Technology Agency initiative and this year the theme was The Harsh realities of climate change. Architectural Technology, Electrical Engineering, Emergency Medical Sciences (EMS), Horticultural Sciences, Information Technology, Town and Regional Planning participated.

Now, thanks to the success of that project, the university has been invited by project partner Camissa Solutions to extend the project to three more local schools in Mossel Bay. Lovetta Bolters from Camissa Solution says that despite the challenging circumstances experienced by some of our rural learners, the National Science Week opened up their minds and broadened their horizons to what is possible.

The CPUT group took a delegation of staff and students from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Electrical Engineering, Maritime Studies, Mechanical Engineering disciplines to showcase some uniquely CPUT innovations including a solar fridge, 3D printer, water purification system, and an energy efficiency demonstration.

Manager of Service Learning at CPUT, Jacqui Scheepers, says that the project will also expand the learners understanding of potential study options in those fields at CPUT.

“So even though learners live at the coast, some may only know of their parents being fishermen and not realise that there is a whole Maritime industry that they can pursue,” she said. “We are hoping to market CPUT as a potential study destination for learners and ignite their interest in Engineering and Science