Cape Town: The City of Cape Town libraries joined Amazon in celebrating science at great level. Together they hosted seventy (70) learners in a science focused exhibition organised at the headquarters of e-commerce giant in Observatory.
In exhibition, twelve (12) exhibitors from various STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) hosted tables, spoke to students about career and study options. They also ran demonstrations and activities related to their services which included robotics, coding, flash art, artificial intelligence and more.
Keeping the last year of the event in note, it is the second year that libraries have partnered with Amazon to encourage interest and spark the similar interest in STEAM fields.
Considering this unique initiative, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the majority of the students they are hosting are female.
It is not only a nod to Women’s Month, but an opportunity for them to encourage the young women to be part of an industry where they can be helping to drive better innovation, expand research diversity, be part of varied teams to solve complex problems and create safer and more accurate solutions to local and global issues, said Higham.
Cllr Higham added that women bring new and innovative perspectives to STEAM fields, which can lead to ground-breaking advancements.
During the exhibition, the winner of the Teen Library Ambassador Challenge was awarded to Junior Saule (16) from Mfuleni Library by Portfolio Chairperson – Councillor Ronel Viljoen. He won after entering a social media competition, which called on teenagers to create a short video about why they loved reading and their library.
The formalities were followed by a group STEAM quiz and students spent time with each exhibitor where they could learn about and experience the available opportunities.
Furthermore, the City libraries are currently hosting their own Science Month events at individual facilities, as each of them are running a programme or activity around STEAM or makerspaces. These events feature science shows, experiments and career talks which boost their confidence and opportunities to nourish themselves.