Staff Reporter
The recently concluded Irene Science Expo, Careers’ Day, and Awards Ceremony proved to be a resounding success, drawing participants from 14 schools, including Cliffs College from Ruwa and Milestone from Rusape.
The event, held at Irene Christian College in Marlborough, Harare, showcased a diverse range of projects from esteemed institutions such as Prince Edward School, Mabvuku High School, Sacred Heart College, and more.
The expo, which took place on 27 and 28 June, featured an array of categories for students to exhibit and contest their projects, including programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, pharmaceuticals, natural products, cosmetology, agriculture, environmental science, chemical and mechanical engineering, microbiology, genetics, electrical engineering, and energy and power.
Mr. Albert Zinyemba, the headmaster of Irene Christian College, expressed his satisfaction with the event.
“The two-day event went on smoothly. It was the highlight of students’ critical thinking, innovative and collaboration skills,” he said.
He commended the high quality of the projects exhibited and the commendable organization of the inaugural event, which attracted schools from as far as Rusape.
The adjudicators from Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) remarked on the projects’ resemblance to those of master’s students at the university level.The awards ceremony, graced by Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials and the District Schools Inspector Mr. Parafin, was a testament to the caliber of the projects on display. The guest of honor, the Chief Scientist at the Zimbabwe Geospatial and Space Agency, further underscored the significance of the students’ achievements.
The results of the Irene Science Expo showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of the students. In Category 1, Queen Elizabeth, Heritage School, and Milestone College clinched the top three positions.
Category 2 saw Irene Christian College dominating the awards, with standout projects from Masuku Leanne, Dube Kimberly, and others. Northwest High School, Milestone College, and Irene Christian College emerged victorious in Category 3, while Irene Christian College swept the top positions in Categories 4, 5, and 6.
Irene Christian College Innovation Hub Patron, Ms. Rumbidzai Goto said that the expo showcased a lot of creativity and innovation in this young generation, with a significant embrace and application of artificial intelligence and robotics in every field.
“It’s my desire to see these innovative projects being developed to save and improve our nation,” she said.
Mr. Albert Zinyemba, the headmaster of Irene Christian College, expressed his optimism for the future, saying they even expect an even bigger and better event next year.
Mr. Gerald Machiri, the esteemed principal and visionary leader, issued a stirring call to action. With unwavering conviction, he urged the young minds to embark on a quest for scientific innovation, challenging them to devise projects that would address the pressing challenges of our modern world.
“At Irene Christian College, we believe in the power of innovation to shape a better future. I encourage all our students to channel their creativity and intellect into developing groundbreaking science projects that address pressing global challenges. Your potential knows no bounds, and while I am impressed with your projects, I challenge you to push harder, think bigger, and strive for excellence. You are the architects of tomorrow, and it is through your relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation that we will build a brighter, more sustainable world for generations to come,” said Mr Machiri.
The Irene Science Expo served as a platform for students to showcase their ingenuity and commitment to driving innovation across various scientific disciplines. As the nation looks toward the future, these young minds are poised to make significant contributions in the field of science and technology.
About Author
