President Roopun urges students to develop critical minds in technologicy-driven society

Mauritius: Addressing secondary school students in the context of the prize-giving ceremony for the Science Quest 2023 competition held today at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun, encouraged them to explore the opportunities of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in an increasingly technological-driven society.

Organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC), some 350 students from 45 Secondary Schools across the country participated in the 8th edition of the Science Quest 2023. 

The competition provided a platform for students to submit innovative projects in the field of science and technology, including revolutionising marine pollution control with Seabin; unlocking culinary potential; harnessing pedal power for clean energy; and transforming plastic bottles into rainwater-reliant plant towers. The prizes to reward the innovative work were sponsored by the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB).

President Roopun extended congratulations to all participants and especially to the winners of this year’s edition while commending the efforts of the RGSC in coming up with new initiatives to engage the youth in Science, ICT and Technology programmes. Such programmes, he said, “play a vital role in encouraging our students to develop their aptitude for STEM subjects”.

The Science Quest, he further emphasised, is the ideal platform for students to be directly exposed and engaged in science and technology, adding that this holistic approach to learning is essential for their personal growth. The President called upon students to venture into these innovative pathways and tap into their creative potential.

Present for the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of the MCB, Alain Law Min, spoke of the bank’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives and reiterated support for more such projects in the near future.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the RGSC Trust Fund, Ellora Dhunnoo, acknowledged the achievements of youngsters, being future ambassadors for the socio-economic development of the country.

The Director of the RGSC, Dr Aman Kumar Maulloo, for his part, reiterated his determination to promote science and technology among students while emphasising that these projects showcase the creativity, innovation and potential of young students.

The competition divided into three categories was prized as follows:

• Each gold awardee received a shield and a cheque of Rs 25,000.
• Silver awardees won each as a shield and Rs 20,000.
• Bronze winners won Rs 12,000 each and a shield.

Each category also had two merit prizes of Rs 5 000 each.

• As for supervising teachers/mentors, the gold winners won Rs 4,000, 
• Silver winners won Rs 3,000, 
• Bronze awardees won Rs 2,000. Two merit prizes in each category won Rs 1,000.

The winners are below listed:

Category 1: Grade 7, 8 and 9

• Gold Prize: Patten College (Girls)
• Silver Prize: Modern College
• Bronze Prize: Mahatma Gandhi Secondary School
• Merit Prize: Quartier Militaire SSS
• Merit Prize: College Pierre Poivre
• Category 2: Grade 10 and 11
• Gold Prize: Doha College Souillac
• Silver Prize: Piton State College
• Bronze Prize: Labourdonnais College
• Merit Prize: Dr Maurice Cure State College
• Merit Prize: London College
• Category 3: Grade 12 and 13
• Gold Prize: Adventist College
• Silver Prize: Lycée des Mascareignes
• Bronze Prize: Royal College Curepipe
• Merit Prize: Westcoast International Secondary School
• Merit Prize Forest Side SSS (Boys)