PROTEC gets the 2023 Next Engineers programmes moving
Report by Luyanda Mamane, PROTEC project coordinator, aeronautical engineer, and alumnus of PROTEC and Wits University
PROTEC embarked on the second year of the excellent GE Next Engineers (NE) programme with much excitement and anticipation of another year of inspiring young people to take STEM subjects seriously.
All the activities of the NE programme, which is based in Johannesburg, are taking place at Wits University and are managed by PROTEC, supported by the university and Kutitiva, an NPO that assists underprivileged youth to discover their strengths and talents and use them for future development and success. The GE Johannesburg City team also provides volunteers for the sessions.
The Engineering Academy for 48 Grade 11 learners from last year’s Academy, Cohort 1, started in February and runs on Saturdays. They are resuming their College and Career Readiness activities, and also doing two new design challenges, the first of which is ‘Clean Streams’, a water purification project.
The Academy’s Cohort 2 – this year’s Grade 10s – is accommodating 50 new learners who have an exciting year ahead! With Design Challenge activities that include a mousetrap-powered vehicle and a wind-powered generator, it can only mean great things.
In the Engineering Discovery programme, the team is working with 100 learners from each of 10 schools, two per district, at the schools during the week. It is building awareness and expanding understanding of the work that engineers do through hands-on activities that inspire the youngsters.
The Next Engineers team is thrilled to be back in the swing of things, guiding the youngsters in their fresh new discoveries and enjoying their enthusiasm and diligence in all the activities.
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