THE maths, science and technology competition Smart Young Mindz' awards function - which was scheduled for Johannesburg at the weekend - has been postponed, project director Mandy Rutgers has confirmed.
"We could not stage the awards function and exhibition, which are usually staged alongside the annual Education Week Expo, due to the recent strike by public servants. The strike scuppered the regional eliminations," Rutgers explained.
Funded by Blue IQ, with support from partners like the Gauteng department of education (GDE), Sowetan and the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation, the competition seeks to raise youth interest and participation in maths, entrepreneurship, science and technology.
More than 470 schools entered this year's competition. Fifteen finalist teams of five each, constituting 215 pupils, were supposed to have exhibited their submissions at the Education Week Expo.
The teams were challenged to develop smart business ideas for sustainable innovation eco-efficient and automotive products, according to Blue IQ chief executive officer Amanda Nair, who said: "The 2010 theme is in line with existing challenges facing government and business. This approach challenges pupils to investigate real social and economic problems affecting different communities.
"The involvement of the 50 Dinaledi schools targeted to take part in the competition is part of the GDE's strategy of ensuring pupils at these schools are encouraged to study maths, science and technology."
In recognition of the quality of submissions by pupils from Grades 8, 9 and 10, Blue IQ provides an after-care intervention through an Alumni Club. The Club seeks to nurture their talent and continue to encourage them until they achieve their goals.
Winners are automatically entered into the Smart Young Mindz Alumni Club, which offers opportunities for greater mentorship by industry experts who are provided by Blue IQ.
Awards postponed
THE maths, science and technology competition Smart Young Mindz' awards function - which was scheduled for Johannesburg at the weekend - has been postponed, project director Mandy Rutgers has confirmed.
"We could not stage the awards function and exhibition, which are usually staged alongside the annual Education Week Expo, due to the recent strike by public servants. The strike scuppered the regional eliminations," Rutgers explained.
Funded by Blue IQ, with support from partners like the Gauteng department of education (GDE), Sowetan and the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation, the competition seeks to raise youth interest and participation in maths, entrepreneurship, science and technology.
More than 470 schools entered this year's competition. Fifteen finalist teams of five each, constituting 215 pupils, were supposed to have exhibited their submissions at the Education Week Expo.
The teams were challenged to develop smart business ideas for sustainable innovation eco-efficient and automotive products, according to Blue IQ chief executive officer Amanda Nair, who said: "The 2010 theme is in line with existing challenges facing government and business. This approach challenges pupils to investigate real social and economic problems affecting different communities.
"The involvement of the 50 Dinaledi schools targeted to take part in the competition is part of the GDE's strategy of ensuring pupils at these schools are encouraged to study maths, science and technology."
In recognition of the quality of submissions by pupils from Grades 8, 9 and 10, Blue IQ provides an after-care intervention through an Alumni Club. The Club seeks to nurture their talent and continue to encourage them until they achieve their goals.
Winners are automatically entered into the Smart Young Mindz Alumni Club, which offers opportunities for greater mentorship by industry experts who are provided by Blue IQ.
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