Carnarvon high school learners attend SARAO Mathematics and Science Camp

The SARAO Human Capital Development (HCD) Schools Programme hosted a Mathematics and Science Camp at Carnarvon High School from 23 to 27 June 2025, focused on academic support and career exposure to Grade 10-12 learners taking Mathematics and Physical Sciences as school subjects.

A select number of Grade 11 and 12 learners from the business stream, who are enrolled in pure Mathematics, were also included in the programme.

The camp was attended by a total of 79 participants, including learners, university lecturers, SARAO engineers, alumni, and support staff. Of the total, 61 were learners, while the remaining 18 participants were professionals and facilitators involved in the academic and career development components of the camp.

The HCD Schools Programme team was represented by three staff members, who were responsible for the coordination and logistical support of the camp. The team was further supported by two SARAO alumni — bursary recipients who graduated in 2024 — who actively contributed throughout the week by teaching, guiding, and mentoring learners.

Sessions were conducted daily from 08:00 to 19:00 and were led by professionals from the science and mathematics fields. The programme integrated subject-specific instruction with mentorship and career guidance to broaden learners’ understanding of STEM pathways.

To ensure an effective and focused learning environment, the professional facilitators were divided into three specialised subject groups, namely mathematics, chemistry and physical sciences.

Each group was responsible for the design and delivery of content in their respective subject areas. This structured approach ensured that learners received subject-specific, in-depth support from experts, allowing for greater clarity, consistency, and engagement across sessions.

Chantel Mathison, Professional Officer in the SARAO Schools Programme, expressed her pride in the learners and the opportunities that they experience: “I am confident that our learners that are from towns that SARAO supports can compete with the rest of the world and that we are seeing engineers and data scientists in the making.”

On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the camp attendees were honoured to host Keitumetse Molamu, Head of Engineering at SARAO and Chairperson of the Women of Worth initiative. Her visit was a significant highlight of the week and made a lasting impact on the learners.

Molamu delivered a compelling and personal address focused on navigating early-career challenges and maintaining mental well-being. She emphasised embracing alternative learning methods, such as short courses and self-directed education, while cultivating curiosity, resilience, and self-confidence. Additionally, she encouraged fostering intergenerational understanding and communication in the workplace, promoting a growth mindset, and underscoring the importance of lifelong learning.

She was accompanied by a team of SARAO engineers, including professionals in electrical and software engineering, who participated in the day’s sessions. Their direct engagement with learners allowed for meaningful conversations around engineering roles at SARAO and career possibilities in the broader STEM ecosystem.