Description of project:

The National Science & Technology Programme for Young Women is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, and managed by the Foundation for Education, Science and Technology (FEST). Young women were offered the opportunity of being exposed to an exciting hands-on science experience. Each year this is done by using a scientific theme covering Water and the Environment (1999), Minerals and Energy (2000), Biotechnology and Information and Communications Technology (2001) and in 2002 two of the following themes were used (according to the relevance of the area) ? Earth Sciences, Space Sciences, Engineering Girls Futures, HIV/Aids (with a strong focus on mathematical and statistical sciences) and Biodiversity. The project ran from 9-13 December 2002.

The Shuttleworth Foundation?s involvement:

The Shuttleworth Foundation funded the learners? manuals, packs of worksheets for educators and the independent evaluation of the programme.
Aims and objectives:

1. To build self esteem in learners, especially young women, so they can participate competently in science subjects

2. To present the practical feasibilities of science and technology careers

3. To encourage young women to follow science and technology careers

4. To provide young women with opportunities to engage in an innovative, exciting, hands-on programme in science and technology

5. To expose girls to role models who could inspire them to consider careers in science and technology

6. To devise educational materials that are useful for further utilisation in similar SET programmes or in the classroom

7. To interest and inspire young women to study science at school level

Evaluation:

Evaluation reports from FEST and an independent evaluator is currently awaited.