Star College students shine bright at the iWISE Global Science Olympiad

A group of students from Star College received an opportunity to participate in the iWISE Global Science Olympiad in the United Kingdom, representing South Africa and coming home with a staggering 8 medals to show for their efforts.

Within the art category, young Aneefat Saliu received the top position in the art category with Jeyush Doorsamy earning the second position in the STEM category, with South Africa being the second-best country overall.

Munise Celik (Gr 10), Jeyush Doorsamy (Gr 10), Aneefat Saliu (Gr 10) earned gold medals, Mpho Mokhohlane (GR 9), Rethabile Kadienge (Gr 8) received silver medals and Mahlongo Mathabathe (Gr 10), Lesedi Mnyakeni (Gr 9) and Dineo Mothapo (Gr 9) for the science olympiad.

“A few weeks back the 8 of us were selected to go to the iWISE international competition and in the beginning it was a bit of a challenge because we were all scared but throughout the week we really enjoyed it, there were fun activities throughout London, there were science expos, bus tours and then the main day in London where all our judging was, but in the judging it’s more about your experience, what you learn,” said Jeyush on his account of his experience in the UK.

“London was such a vibe, it was amazing, everything went good, we went there for a science expo where we had to showcase our projects…we socialised with people, we learned, we grew, and today we’re here to honour and appreciate all the hard work that we had done,” said Mahlongo on her experiences during their time abroad.

“I did a group project with my friend, and we did a project based on fuse cells and harnessing their heat energy into electrical energy to be used by other appliances and to also be stored. I had so much fun in London, my favourite part was us outside, hanging out together, making memories,” said Lesedi as she explained what her project entailed.  

iWISE is a global platform for young artists, scientists and performers to showcase their skills on an international stage. The platform gives a stage to young students between the ages of 10-24 and aims to mould and shape their creativity through this initiative.

Nicholas Bixa, educator at Star College, gave Diplomatic Insider insight into the selection process of the students: “So, they first had to do an in-school expo, which was compulsory. We then selected them based on merit. Then we had upgrade sessions for their projects and applied to the International World Innovative Student Exhibition (iWISE) in London, then got an acceptance,” said Bixa

Star College is a subsidiary school under the organisation Horizon Trust, which was established in Pretoria in 2012 to provide science and maths-focused education for the next generation of South Africans, filled with an abundance of opportunities to express themselves on a national and international stage.

The students were honoured by Star College and their parents in a ceremony showcasing their medals and trophies, and reminding the students, as said by former South African President Nelson Mandela, that “Education is the best tool for changing the world.”

The Star

sifiso.mahlangu@inl.co.za