Stuart Ntlathi is already training up the next generation of ICT professionals

AT ONLY 22 years old, Stuart Ntlathi is on a mission to stimulate interest in science, engineering and technology among South Africa`s high school students  particularly black learners. The man behind the recent high schools Global Science, Engineering and Technology Summit, in Klerksdorp, Ntlathi began his crusade to educate youngsters at the tender age of 13.

SNSET EVOLUTION

While he was always interested in maths and science, Ntlathi noticed very early on that he seemed to be the only black pupil at his school in Jouberton, Klerksdorp, who showed interest and actually attended the science and technology s. "I felt that I had to come up with a plan that would arouse interest in many black students," he says.

So he started a maths and science study group for his peers. This evolved over the next nine years, and is now a fully-fledged institute, called the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering and Technology Institute (SNSET). Based in Jouberton, it gives high school students access to computers, and offers developmental workshops and academic clinics, which include life orientation, career opportunities, mathematics and physical science classes, at no cost.

The project has the financial backup of Old Mutual SA, SENWES, , and an electronic reading programme, Solar Read. The institute is now manned by a team of 14 youngsters - the oldest is only 23.

"This organisation is managed by previous and modern participants, strategists, specialists and organisers of various science, engineering and technology activities at international, national and local levels, and they bring a long history of experience and love into this challenge," Ntlathi says.

Even the Department of Social Development has become involved, funding a trip to Taiwan for Ntlathi and his research and development staff.

"People in Taiwan have a much more disciplined management and teaching approach, so we took that and applied it to the students at SNSET institute," he says.

Besides training high school students, SNSET institute also conducts research for the local government and for community development projects.

"We believe in the development of education, specifically in the field of science, engineering and technology," says Ntlathi. "Our mission is to attract young people who want to pursue a career in engineering, science and technology."

He adds: "With everything that passes, it becomes difficult to succeed in life without being well equipped with the necessary information."

The recent SNSET institute seven-day annual Global Science, Engineering and Technology Summit saw more than 3 000 students from all over SA entering an essay competition. The top 100 students were invited to attend the summit. This event brought together Grade 8 to 12 learners to participate in programmes in the fields of science, engineering and technology. The overall winner, Francois Pretorius, won prizes including an overseas trip to the National Taiwan Science Education Centre and a Solar Read programme for his school.

"The summit seeks to make science, engineering and technology interesting for learners by providing fun activities aimed at simplifying the complexities of science, technology and engineering," says Ntlathi. "The content is mainly presented by young people from SNSET institute in an engaging manner, so learners feel free to interact and ask questions with people they perceive as peers."



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