2015-07-29Staff Report 2 Windhoek Carlos Shipatuleni, a Grade 11 learner from the Oshigambo High School in the Oshikoto region, walked away with second prize in the Big Innov8 Competition. The Big Innov8 Competition is the brainchild of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) and aims to boost an interest in scientific and technological developments and innovation. Thrilled with his achievement, Carlos says: “I love science because with science there is development and with development, there is a future. Science motivates and inspires people to follow their goals to become what they want to be in future”. The other two winners are Daniella Goses, a Grade 11 learner from the Windhoek Technical High School and Witness Asino also from Dr Frans Aupa Indongo Primary School. Witness Asino from the Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School, another winner, says: “I love science. Science is interesting; it challenges my mind and never fails to impress me. The world, metaphorically, is made up of science and there is a lot out there that is undiscovered and I have a craving to become a great legend in the sciences.” Kashululu Sonia, head-girl and Grade 7 learner at Dr Frans Aupa Indongo Primary School in Windhoek, says she is keen to become an astronaut. She thanked her school for allowing them to attend such festivals. The National Science Festival, organised by the NCRST, accorded pupils from all over the country an opportunity to interact with science researchers, debate pertinent science matters and learn how science, innovation and technology is used in various institutions. Debmarine Namibia, as one of the gold sponsors of the festival, organised a competition within a socially stimulating and enjoyable setting, with the learners showing great interest and curiosity in Debmarine Namibia’s operations. Several learners took part in the competition and had their marine diamond mining knowledge tested. The five lucky winners walked away with hampers, comprising science tools and various goodies. Debmarine Namibia remains a strong advocate of the sciences in education. The company has invested heavily in trainee programmes, benefiting more than 300 young Namibians. On average, the company sponsors – through its bursary scheme – 14 Namibians annually to study specialised courses, such as chemical engineering, geology, environmental sciences, hydrographical surveying, mechanical and electrical engineering at various institutions of higher learning in Namibia and South Africa. The aim of Debmarine’s training and organisational development programme is to enable business excellence within the company by enhancing its human resources and to support Vision 2030. Its approach is Namibian-focused with the aim of putting the right people in the right job at the right time. 2015-07-29Staff Report 2
