Description of project:

National Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, and managed by the Foundation for Education, Science and Technology (FEST). Essentially, it is a large celebration of science and technology in the country, offering learners, educators and the general public an opportunity to understand what is available and happening in the science world in South Africa, and to experience hands-on science, engineering and technology as it applies to their daily lives. There will be one exhibition per province where there will be exhibits by science and technology organisations, interactive activities and career exhibits. It will take place on the 5th to the 10th of May 2003.

The Shuttleworth Foundation's involvement:

As part of a number of initiatives initiated by FEST, the Shuttleworth Foundation will cover the costs of printing and distributing fun periodic table posters to approximately 10 000 secondary schools in the country. We will also fund a range of workshops in each province during SET week.

Aims and objectives:

The project aims to generate interest in science, engineering and technology (SET), to improve the profile of SET in the eyes of the public, to provide a wide range of stimulating and interactive experiences of SET and to inspire young people to consider careers in science and technology.

Updated Status (July 2003):

National SET Week 2003 was the biggest in the history of this event in South Africa.

Many of the visitors to the event reported that the exhibitions, workshops and edutainment were this year qualitatively much better that previous National SET Weeks. Most of the learners surveyed indicated an eagerness to find out more about opportunities and careers open to them in the science field, while parents reported that they were more informed about the need to support and encourage their children to pursue careers in science. Well over 173 000 visitors are estimated to have visited the exhibitions, while early indications are that more than 5 million people received some of the National SET Week 2003 message through a concerted media campaign that formed part of disseminating information about the objectives of National SET Week 2003.

One of the significant outputs of National SET Week 2003 was the production of very colourful and well designed periodic tables that were distributed free of charge to high schools around the country. Enquiries and requests for the periodic tables continue to flood FEST and the Foundation , not only from high schools, but also from universities and technikons.

Status (April 2003):

The project will culminate in SET week from 5 to 10 May 2003. Joint national and provincial meetings are held on a regular basis to monitor the progress of the preparation and ensuing stages of the project.

learners enjoying events and exhibits at the SET week in Limpopo province