Interviews and photos by Kenesha Fraser
The National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair 2014 was held last week at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Essequibo Coast in Region Two under the theme ‘Science, Mathematics and Technology: Providing Solutions for the 21st Century’. At the end, the best projects from the 11 educational districts were awarded. We asked the students who participated in the fair for their thoughts on the event. Their comments follow:
Aliyah Rasheed, Anna Regina Secondary School – ‘The science fair is a very good event that takes place every two years and it gives children from different schools exposure. Apart from that, this takes place to get solutions to different problems that we have in the country and that is what I really like. From previous science fairs, I have noticed that the main projects were put into reality by the government so it’s beneficial to all. Students came up with the ideas to create these projects and it shows that the youths of Guyana have potential.’
Nashad Solamadean, Craig Primary School – ‘The science fair is very good and I have learned a lot about recycling. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to be here. All the other projects that I viewed were very good and I’m impressed. Our project is based on using waste materials to make decorations and it is something we all can do. I think that this programme is very educational and beneficial for everyone.’
Phagundevi Suklall, Aurora Secondary School – ‘The science fair is beneficial and gives every school the benefit of participating. As the students, we want to see these projects implemented in the future. This national event has brought students from all over Guyana and we are shown what their schools came up with to the best of their ability. From what I have seen, the science fair was really good and we are seeing the ability of the young minds.’
Mohamed Safeer Juma, Abrams Zuil Secondary School – ‘Actually, I think that this activity allows students to express themselves in the regional and national fairs. It also helps the school to gain recognition and the students are challenged to think. When building our school project, we had some problems with the motorized mixer and the two conveyor belts. I can now say that this pushed us to think and we came together as a team and solved the problem. These fairs are indeed beneficial.’
Jahni Williamson, Mackenzie High School – ‘I think the fair is very educational and we are learning a lot. I’m in the Mathematics sector and I don’t see many students interested. I believe that we should all view Math as a simple subject because we all have to use Mathematics in our everyday lives. Most of the other projects are very good but there is no electricity in this room so we cannot demonstrate our project to the viewers. I personally believe that this is a very beneficial event but other improvements can be made to make it better.’
Keith Da Silva, Santa Rosa Secondary School – ‘This is my first time at nationals and it means a lot to me and I’m enjoying it a lot. I really hope that our project based on the ‘Mathematics Trail Game’ can place at least in second position. Most of the projects presented by the other schools which I have seen are very creative and this is very beneficial to all of us here.’
Zeena Williams, Bartica Secondary School – ‘This is very exciting for me and so far I have learned a lot. These projects that I am seeing help in our everyday lives. Our project about processing awara is beneficial to everyone. These projects can make the future better for Guyana. There are a lot of benefits from the projects that we do not realize but unless these things are implemented they will just be ideas.’
Brendon Collymore, Uitvlugt Secondary School – ‘Seeing these exhibits are bringing new things to the table and it is providing solutions for the things that are affecting us. These solutions will also aid in the advancement and betterment of the future generation. The projects which are on display today can be implemented by the government especially our project about the Flood Detector with Automatic Sluice. This project that was innovatively created by students of the Uitvlugt Secondary School can benefit the country at large. I find the other exhibits very beneficial and creative.’
Gourisha Shivani Ramdihal, JC Chandisingh Secondary School – ‘I think it’s a good opportunity for the exposure of students in the educational aspect. It gives us the chance to find out about the things that are beneficial to us. I want people to come and view the projects and support the young minds. Our project is about an Activated Carbon Scrubber that can help us all. This event is very beneficial and I am enjoying it.’
Swasti Persaud, Cotton Field Secondary – ‘The science fair is beneficial and gives every school the benefit of participating. As students, we want to see these projects implemented in the future. This national event has brought students from all over Guyana and we are shown what their schools came up with to the best of their ability. From what I have seen, the science fair was really good and we are seeing the ability of the young minds.’
