Professor Joseph Mbaiwa from University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI) has encouraged Chobe students to be motivated by the prevailing challenges of wildlife and livestock diseases in their area, into studying science, which would allow them to be part of the solution.
Mbaiwa was speaking on the occasion of the Botswana Vaccine Institute’s National Science Week Satellite event held at Liswaani 1 JSS in Kachikau over the weekend, under the theme: “An enquiring mind: A gateway to creativity and Innovation.”
The objective of the event was to popularise Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) across society through establishment of initiatives aimed at demystifying science and technology theories and promotion of establishment of RSTI business enterprises.
Mbaiwa emphasised that coming from an area that had incidents of wild animals dying mysteriously, and severe disease like Foot and Mouth should be motivation enough to study factors which cause these diseases.
The theme, according to Mbaiwa suggests students and other stakeholders should embrace an inquisitive mindset which should result in creativity and innovation. Mbaiwa encouraged students to develop an inquisitive mind-set, characterised by curiosity, a desire to learn, and a willingness to question and explore beyond the obvious.
‘‘Our school children should be aware that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and of their country.” As a result, we should encourage our school children to approach life with a positive attitude and a strong spirit to serve our country when they finally leave the school environment. The attitude and focus of our school children should be to work and make Botswana a great nation especially in the area of science,” he said.
Mbaiwa has also encouraged parents to be their children’s learning coaches because their attitudes about education can inspire that of their children to take charge of their own educational journey.
The role of stakeholders in the development of Research Science Technology and Innovation (RSTI), especially the business community could not be overemphasised in areas of student sponsorship studying science, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities – adopting schools and equipping science laboratories and providing equipment such as laptops and computers to students.
BVI Head of ICT Kgomotso Mantu said for past two years Liswaani JSS has been performing above national average in JC results and Science and Maths were the top subjects, which was an encouragement. He noted that they took a deliberate decision to host the science satellite event in Kachikau for the community and students to appreciate the manufacturer of the products they use in fighting animal diseases.
He said Chobe is a catchment area for BVI Products and as part of taking BVI to the people, they wanted to catch them young and inspire and motivate students to appreciate science professions.
Meanwhile Liswaani 1 JSS, Deputy School Head Lesego Mawale appreciated BVI for hosting the event at the school, as it marked a step forward towards the development of Research Science Technology and Innovation (RSTI). Mawale said science and technology plays a crucial role in modern learning environment and is a fundamental to the academic success in education and life. She appreciated BVI for taking steps in supporting their school.
BVI donated P10, 000 to the school towards procurement of chairs, a laptop to the best student in essay writing and tablets to the best students in STEM subjects.
