'Launching of Junior Mobile Science at Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo Government School '

 

Speech - Launching of Junior Mobile Science at Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo Government School

Welcome

It gives me great pleasure today to join you for the Launching ceremony of the “Junior Mobile Science” a new science activity organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre targeting students of primary level.

The context

Dear Students as you may be aware, Science, Technology and Innovation underpin the continued improvements in living standards that we in the modern world take for granted.  Scientific discovery and application is the reason why we now live longer and healthier lives, why we can communicate globally at almost zero cost and retrieve information from any part of the world through the internet. Our lives continue to be transformed by the new frontiers in Science and Technology.

Science and Technology does not concern only scientists.  As our world continues to change rapidly, science is going to become more important to our future.   Awareness, Knowledge and Understanding of the world around us is critical if we are to survive in this increasingly technology driven world.  This will help us take more informed decisions about our lives in various fields such as health and the environment. 

Junior Mobile Science

              

The objectives of this project are:

-        to encourage youngsters to develop an interest in Science and Technology

-        to enhance  the understanding of Science and Technology among the young students

-        to encourage them to study Science and later on  consider Science as a career option

Junior Mobile Science comprises of a set of mobile interactive exhibits and hands- on demonstrations. Each set of experiments are accompanied by scientists of RGSC who will interact with you and will have the tasks to:

i)       explain the Science behind the exhibits

ii)     help you operate the exhibits

iii)   carry out demonstrations

Science on the Move mobile interactive exhibits will be an intriguing exploration of a broad range of scientific themes such as the Human Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Science on the Move will have a set of hands-on experiences and investigations that will engage the mind and body.

The Science demonstrations will consist of a series of interactive and eye catching activities to explain science concepts and their applications in daily life, in a fun manner.  During these demonstrations the audience involvement, observation and critical thinking will be encouraged.

THE ROLE OF MTESRT

My Dear students

As Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, it is my wish that every one of you pursue your education up to the tertiary level. Government is providing all the necessary facilities and opportunities for each one of you to live your dreams and unlock your potential. With the setting up of new universities and campuses around the island Government wants tertiary education to be accessible to everybody who has the potential and the wish to pursue higher education. Nobody should feel that higher education is ONLY for the few and the privileged who happened to have been lucky in life.

This is essential as you are the future of Mauritius. It is important that you are equipped with the necessary skills and tools to enable you to contribute to the economic development and modernization of Mauritius.

Each one of you should change your mindset and become more curious about everything that’s going on around you. Think of possible solutions for all the problems we face, like the recent floods that struck our capital city last year. The study of Science and Technology will help you to develop that inquisitive mind and critical skills so necessary to solve most of the major problems facing us today.

Conclusion

Dear students,

We all have an important role to play in the education of our youngsters.  I will invite you to participate fully in the science based activities organised specially for you, so that you can share your knowledge with your families and friends.  This is yet another enriching activity that the RGSC is providing to you. Make the most of this opportunity.

I shall end with a famous quote from Albert Einstein.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

With these words, I thank you for your attention.