'Science Fun Day at Montagne Blanche Social Welfare Centre'

 

Speech - Science Fun Day at Montagne Blanche Social Welfare Centre

Date : 13 August 2014 at 11.00 hrs 

                                           

·       Protocol

· Hon. Cader Syed Hossen, Minister of Industry, Commerce and ConsumerProtection

·       Hon Jim Seetaram,  Minister of Business , Enterprise and Cooperatives

·       Dr Maulloo, Director Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre,

·       Mrs Guness, Senior Welfare Officer,

·       Disnguished guests,

·       Dear students

I am delighted to address you on the occasion of the Science Fun Day organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and the Montagne Blanche Social Welfare Centre.   I can see a great deal of enthusiasm among the young people present here today for Science and Technology and specially having fun doing Science at the same time.

I have learnt that today’s programme consists of a variety of activities such as science drawing contest, science workshops and presentations, film shows etc. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, There is a shared belief that education is crucial in building up the individual and collective capacity, and in strengthening the cohesiveness of our nation beyond knowledge and skills. Over the years, we have made changes – big and small – to make our education system stronger and better. But we should never lost sight of a few key fundamentals.

First, we need to develop our children holistically, in all aspects – moral, cognitive, physical, social and aesthetic – that is the ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT of the children.  This is why such a programme has been brought to you in Montagne Blanche to give children of different backgrounds and inspirations to get involved in Science and Technology in ways that interest them.  We need to tickle the imaginations of our children and let them think and express themselves on Science and Technology.  
Irrespective of whether students opt of Science and Technology at SC level, they need to be aware that our world is being governed by Science and Technology.  S & T is everywhere: just name it:

·       In our plates: Biotechnology and Agriculture

·       Communication: Mobile Phone, Internet, weather forecast etc.

·  Travel: the world is now a global village thanks to the rapid international Transport system and the internet.

·   Health: we now have new technologies to cure some diseases previously termed as ‘incurable’. 

Therefore, it is our duty to understand some aspects of technology to prevent its misuse and to protect ourselves and our families.  

Ladies and gentlemen, the development of Mauritius is going to take a new turn with the forthcoming development of what is called the Blue Economy.  Mauritius, being a small island state, which is larger than France due to its Exclusive Economic zone of more than 2.3 Million Kilometer Square.  Our territorial waters needs to be exploited to its fullest in the years to come.  This is why we need to encourage our young people to study science and technology.  We will need Technicians, Engineers, Doctors and other skilled professionals to assist in the development of our country. 

The future of our country lies in the hands of our children.   Each child is unique and has got his own potential.  Therefore, we need to cater for the diverse needs of young people to allow all of them to progress in life.  We need to have a diversity of pathways and opportunities, regardless of background.

In this context Government is sparing no effort to provide the opportunity for every child to access tertiary education.  A number of foreign universities have already set branch campuses in Mauritius. With the aim of transforming Mauritius into a knowledge hub, the government has reiterated its commitment by investing in the International Institute of Technology Research Academy (IITRA) project. The institute was inaugurated on Wednesday July 23, 2014 at the University Campus in Bel Air and will operate with the support of the Mauritius Research Council (MRC) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.

Dear students, I would encourage each one of you to nourish your imagination, to think big, to work hard and to persevere in whatever you undertake.   I agree that sometimes learning is hard but you should never be discouraged in life.  Go ahead make learning become fun, exhilarating and gratifying!!!

On this note, I wish you a fruitful learning experience in your quest for scientific knowledge .