Siyokhela Junior Secondary School in Soshanguve Block AA, have won a trip to participate in the international Formula 1 technology competition in Singapore in September this year but are not sure if they will attend due to lack of finance.
Siyokhela Junior Secondary is a no fee-paying school and they are experiencing financial challenges as well as resources to be able to go and compete in Singapore.
The school participated in the national technology competition last year in Johannesburg, which was sponsored by Nissan.
Five learners from Grade 8-9, ages 13-14 are participating in the competition this year and they are same learners who also won last year’s competition in their Formula 1 racing competition category in Johannesburg.
The learners are required to have a team name, uniform and a team manager. They all have roles in their team, which includes a Resource Manager, Graphic Designer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, as well as a Team Manager.
The learners created their own Formula 1 car model for racing which is 60 grams in minimum weight and has to be as light as possible for it to be fast. They call themselves BONAD which is made up of first letters of their names.
The school’s HOD, Mrs Makgomo Selwane, says they have reached out to the department but it is a long process.
“Because of the red tapes we are not allowed to go directly to the Provincial Department Education, we have to go through the district director who would take our request for assistance to MEC Panyaza Lesufi which is a long process,” she said.
The school principal, Mr Ndo Masemola, said the school also contacted Nissan to sponsor them again this year and they are hopeful for a positive answer.
The first payment for accommodation has to be paid by 15 June next month. The total amount of R20 000 for the country fee and R7000- R8000 per child has to be paid in the next coming months as well. In total the estimated amount for the trip is R350 000.
Because the learners have limited resources, they use their technology teacher’s personal laptop for research and for software use.
The HOD as well as the principal are very grateful for Ms Setlhodi who only started at the school on contract last year January but was able to take the students to a higher level.
“It is difficult for the children because having to prepare for the finals using only one laptop is a challenge. We really need resources to be able to prepare,” said Ms Kelebogile Setlhodi, their technology teacher.
Ms Setlhodi said even though they are disadvantaged, they are not discouraged to show their abilities.
The learners are excited about the trip but are worried their financial circumstances might prevent them from bringing the trophy back home.
They aspire to be Mechanical Engineers, IT Specialists and Robotics Engineers one day and they urge companies to invest in them because they believe that they can elevate the country someday.
For donations, contact the school principal on:
Cell: 082 552 82 98
Email: william.masemola2@gauteng.gov.za
Ms Setlhodi on:
Cell: 072 147 0518
