Speech
- Launching of the National Science Week at
Manilal
Doctor SSS, Lallmatie on Thursday 24 July, 2014 at 10.30 hrs
Protocol
The Context
Speech
- Launching of the National Science Week at
Manilal
Doctor SSS, Lallmatie on Thursday 24 July, 2014 at 10.30 hrs
Protocol
The Context
Good morning and thank you for inviting me to today’s event. I am happy to be here on the occasion of the
launching of the National Science Week.
Just to recall the first one was held at Rose Belle in 2013, and we had
a series of around 10 last year and this year we are keeping this activity
still on because of its huge success.
Well ladies and gentlemen
Science is such a universal subject that we cannot do away
with it. The country needs the critical
mass of professionals with the scientific background in order to meet the
future socio economic challenges.
The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) has the mandate to promote
Science and Technology among the general public and also among school
students. In this context the RGSC have
been organising various programmes like the Sky Observation programme for
general public, Science Through Colours, Science Project based competition for
school students, all these activities have a common goal that is popularisation
of Science.
Each of these activities has been tailor-made to attain certain
clear specific goals. For example:
- The objectives of the Sky Observation are to provide the public at large, weather permitting an exciting opportunity to be introduced to stargazing as a leisure activity and be initiated to the wonderful World of Astronomy.
- Science Through colours on the other hand had been conceptualised to create scientific awareness through drawing/painting and encourage students to explore scientific theme through creative thinking.
- The Science project competitions targeting the school students provide them the opportunity to investigate issues related to Science and Technology using the scientific method. This experience also provides them the opportunity to undertake scientific investigation and also to enhance their written and verbal communication.
And today we are here with the National Science Week.
Science popularisation, ladies and gentlemen, is not only
for scientifically literate public or for students who study science at schools
but also for those not opting for science as a career. A basic knowledge of
science is essential for better understanding the functioning of our own body,
for being aware about proper nutrition as regards to health, to understand
abrupt climatic changes etc.
It is precisely in this particular context, and also following a Cabinet
decision that RGSC has come up with the National Science Week.
National Science Week
An important aspect of the National Science Week is to show the
practical importance of Science and Technology in various sectors of the
Mauritian economy. In a moment we will have the opportunity to discover
together the exhibition that has been mounted by various stakeholders in the field
of Science and Technology.
A series of interactive and eye catching science demonstrations has also
been scheduled to explain science concepts and their applications in daily
life, in a fun manner. During the show
audience involvement, observation and critical thinking is encouraged.
I am given to understand also that a series of sensitising talks by
various stakeholders has also been scheduled during this two days programme.
By pulling all these resources together we wish to attain the following
objectives:
a)
communicate Science and Technology in the community;
b)
promote public understanding of science issues and
c)
supplement the school curriculum in a non-formal, interactive and fun
way.
I am glad to note that we have had the contribution and the support of
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Agro Industry
and Food Security, Mauritius, Blood Donors Association, Mauritius Research Council,
Open University of Mauritius, Traffic Branch, Fire Services, MFDC, Université
des Mascareignes etc.
Famous Scientists
21 July 2014 (Birthday of Louise Blanchard Bethune – the first US Women
Architect)
The reason why I am taking the example of this wonderful lady today, is
to pass on the message that girls should not shy away from science or technical
subjects as shown by various survey’s here in Mauritius.
Louise Blanchard Bethune (July 21, 1856 – December 18, 1913) was the first American woman known to have worked as a
professional architect.
Bethune
was elected a member of the Western Association of Architects
(WAA) in 1885. She later served a term as a vice president of the W.A.A. She
was named the first female associate of the American Institute of Architects
(A.I.A.) in 1888 and in 1889, she became a fellow of the institute.
Bethune
designed mostly industrial and public buildings. She is especially known for designing public
schools. Sadly, much of her work has since been demolished.
Her
best-known design and masterpiece is the neoclassical Hotel
Lafayette, which was commissioned for $1 million and completed in
1904. It has since undergone a $35 million restoration.
Conclusion
To end I have no doubt that you will all benefit from the exhibition and
the sensitisation talks and take the message ahead in your neighbourhood so
that we ultimately end up with an increased awareness and understanding among
the whole community on the important role that Science and Technology plays in
our life and hence aiming at a scientifically literate country.
Thank you for your kind attention!
