The open-day-style programme targeted Grade 8 to 12 learners from schools across the district, aiming to promote the role of science in daily life and encourage careers in science-related fields.
Nkosiphendule Mpotulwana from the OR Tambo Coastal District Education Office highlighted the event’s relevance. “As the district with the highest number of Mathematics and Science learners in the province, this will help us improve Grade 12 outcomes”, he said.
Learners engaged with exhibition stalls covering Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences and conducted practical experiments. Mr Mpotulwana added that practical exposure could improve understanding and exam performance.
The programme aligned with the 2025 National Science Week theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone.”
Acting Dean of the Science Faculty Professor Zenixole Tshentu said “Indeed, the country is driving a knowledge-based economy that ensures that everyone takes a role in ensuring that science works for society. This is why we are here in the District of Lusikisiki to advance and expand science through interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and career showcases that bring classroom concepts to life.”.
The exhibitions included robotics, renewable energy models, mathematical activities, environmental science projects, and chemistry demonstrations. Learners explored stalls, took notes, asked questions, and documented the experiments.
Mhlaluka Momelezi, a Grade 9 learner from Mhlanga Secondary School, said: “I learned how science and technology affect communities and the environment. The math puzzles helped me understand problem-solving. This experience made me more interested in science.”
Educators also found value in the event. Ongeziwe Nongoko, a teacher at Jojo Senior Secondary School in Mount Ayliff, said, ““We are truly grateful to Nelson Mandela University and its partners for bringing National Science Week to our district. It’s one thing to teach science in class, but it’s another for learners to see, touch, and experience it for themselves. This kind of exposure shows them the real-world applications of what they are learning, which makes the subjects more meaningful and exciting.”
Beyond the displays, the event also offered opportunities for learners to connect with professionals, including scientists, lecturers, and industry experts, who shared career advice and explained the societal impact of their work. For many learners in rural districts like Lusikisiki, opportunities like these are rare, making the event even more significant.
The success of the two-day programme emphasised the impact of collaboration between universities, schools, and education authorities. It provided learners with access to information, practical experience, and role models in STEM fields.
National Science Week at Lusikisiki College highlighted the accessibility and relevance of science and encouraged learners to consider STEM careers. It broke down barriers to STEM, replacing intimidation with excitement, and turned abstract concepts into hands-on experiences.
The programme ended with a clear message: science is for everyone, and opportunities like this can shape the future of innovation in the Eastern Cape.