Chantel Mathison – Professional Officer, Schools Programme
Chantel Mathison serves as a Professional Officer for the Schools Programme within the Human Capital Development (HCD) division at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). Based in Carnarvon, Northern Cape, she plays a pivotal role in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education across the region.
Chantel oversees a range of initiatives to support nine schools in the Northern Cape. Her responsibilities include managing various programmes designed to enhance STEM learning, such as Science Expos, Robotics, Astroquiz, Science and Mathematics Olympiads, and schools’ bursary programmes. She also facilitates teacher training, manages grants, and coordinates science outreach activities to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in STEM education. Additionally, Chantel collaborates with Sol Plaatje University on several activities, further strengthening the impact of STEM initiatives in the region.
Under her leadership, the Carnarvon robotics teams have achieved remarkable success, winning prestigious championships such as the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) and the FIRST Lego League competitions. These accomplishments have earned them opportunities to compete internationally in countries like Denmark and Morocco. The programmes, which have been running since 2016, have significantly contributed to improving learner performance and engagement in STEM subjects. Furthermore, through the efforts of the HCD schools division, robotics programmes have been successfully established in the Kimberley region, expanding access to STEM opportunities for even more learners.
Chantel works closely with various stakeholders, including educators, learners, community members, and institutions like Sol Plaatje University, to ensure the success of these initiatives. Her dedication to empowering learners and schools in the Northern Cape has made a lasting impact on STEM education in the region.
Email: cmathison@sarao.ac.za
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