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.
