Sci-Enza, the University of Pretoria’s Science Centre, joined Pretoria News, Lead SA and numerous other entities in donating their 67 minutes at the school in Saulsville. In between all the hustle and bustle at the school (which included Generations actors and Idols celebrities, as well as food and gifts for the school, from numerous organisations), staff from Sci-Enza presented a science show to the Grade 7 children and a rocket-making workshop wrapped up the day’s proceedings.

Three young scientists from the University, Ashlan, Justice and Rodney gave 67 minutes of their time to inspire and enthuse these kids about physics. One of the highlights for the facilitators was the involvement and excitement of the children. Irene Schoeman said: “I love it to see that science is just as entertaining as all the other things going on here. There are so many thrilling things competing for their attention, but the science fascinated them. We had a captivated audience for the entire show.”

This is true, since even the tempting party packs brought into the classroom halfway through the show did not make the children lose focus. Nelson Mandela believes strongly in the value of education and we hope that memories of this day will spark interest and fuel ambition in these children to follow careers in science.