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Chance for young pupils to shine

ENCOURAGING high school pupils to develop an interest in and ultimately excel in mathematics, physical science, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship is being made easyt through the yearly Smart Young Mindz Challenge.

ENCOURAGING high school pupils to develop an interest in and ultimately excel in mathematics, physical science, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship is being made easyt through the yearly Smart Young Mindz Challenge.

A total of 1500 entry forms have been distributed to 15 districts of the Gauteng department of education for this mammoth challenge for high school pupils in Grades 8 to 10. More than 350 high schools will be targeted.

"In just a matter of days we have received more than 100 entry forms, which is an indication of the competition's growing success," project manager Mandy Rutgers said this week.

"The numbers have increased enormously since 2007, when a 100 schools were targeted and about 20000 pupils reached. In 2008 we targeted 230 schools and reached at least 50000 pupils and in 2009 we went to 350 school and were able to reach about 70000 pupils."

Through the challenge pupils are urged to submit smart business ideas in an annual competition. They are also motivated to investigate problems, the wants and needs of their communities and to generate commercially viable ideas for products or services that will fill gaps in the market.

Operating under the auspices of the Gauteng economic development department, Smart Young Mindz is a youth development innovation of Gauteng's economic development vehicle, Blue IQ, the Gauteng department of education, and Sowetan, for the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation.

To enter the competition, please go to the following websites: www.sym.co.za; www.blueiq.co.za; www.gautengonline.gov.za, or Blue IQ on phone Blue IQ on 011-689-1600 .

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