Brand Ambassador Senaly Singh shares her thoughts on the festivities of the Maths and Science Symposium  held in Durban last week.

On the 13th and 14th of February 2008, the Ethekwini Municipality (KZN) hosted a Maths and Science Symposium at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban. HIP2B² was a part of the symposium and presented an excellent show which was well received by the learners. The Symposium was attended by about 15 000 learners over the two days. There was something “sciency and mathsy” for everyone: teachers, learners and parents.

 “The aim of the event was to encourage and popularise Science and Maths and to demystify the world of Science for the learners,” says Eurakha Singh, a Social Development Manager from Ethekwini Municipality and part of the co-coordinating team. That, of course, is exactly what HIP2B² is all about. The three Brand Ambassadors representatives for this event were Jessica West, Ashleigh Waterson and myself, Senaly Singh. Together with HIP2B² TV presenter Erin Classen, we were asked to show them just why Maths and Science are so cool.

We presented a 30 minute show, telling the crowd all about HIP2B², why we enjoyed Maths and Science and how important it is to take education seriously. It being Valentine’s Day, Ashleigh took the opportunity to tell everyone about the science of falling in love and how the ratio of one’s features determines whether or not you are attracted to someone. We also told them about the many career opportunities that Maths and Science have to offer. 

Stalls were set up around the grounds and learners were encouraged to be part of what was happening. Teachers and children enjoyed games like Maths 24, participated in Calculator Challenges and watched an amazing display dealing with physics by Dr M. Govender of UKZN. Other stalls included Mondi, SAASTE, AMESA, SANBS and the MTN ScienCentre.

Eleven year-old Bongumusa Majola of Isipingo Senior Primary said he thought HIP2B² was amazing and that he had learned a lot from the symposium. “I watch the TV show. I like Maths and Science and my brother said it’s important to work hard if I want to be an electrical engineer.” His friend Andile Mnculgwa said, “It was interesting. I learned about games in Maths.”

I realised that children out there are starting to take their education seriously. It was a proud moment for me when Erin asked the crowd “How many of you like Maths?” and a sea of hands went up excitedly. These learners are enthusiastic about learning and just require a little bit of guidance every now and again.

So, did we make a difference at this event? I definitely think we did! It was very successful in getting kids interested in Maths and Science and in highlighting career opportunities for them. If there was any doubt about whether HIP2B² made an impact or not, it was certainly removed by a little boy who, as we were leaving, excitedly whispered, “It’s HIP2B²!”