Mbilwi Secondary School near Sibasa is regarded as the school of opportunities. This is because the learners get exposed to various educational competitions in subjects such as maths, science and English. One of the school's Grade 12 pupils, Zwivhuya Vele (18), made the Limpopo-based school and community at large very proud when she was selected to attend the 63rd London International Youth Science Forum from 27 July to 10 August this year.
Zwivhuya was awarded a scholarship that covered her flight, lodging and meals during her visit to the UK. Exhilarated by this experience, she told the media how the forum was all about getting students from different countries together to share their knowledge and interest in science.
"We were asked to write an essay about one's interest in science and how it can be used to change the world; how an individual (learner) thinks, and I was the best candidate for the competition. In my essay, I wrote about water purification in rural areas; areas that don't have access to clean water and how it affects communities; looking at the challenges and solutions," she said.
Zwivhuya said she was excited beyond words when she was notified a week after her interview that she got the scholarship to attend the forum in London. "It was so great and I made a few new friends with other students overseas. We were lectured by science experts from across the globe over the duration of the forum. I was also able to visit research centres and performed in different science experiments. I am very inspired and motivated to follow my career in science," she said.
Zwivhuya's educator and mentor at Mbilwi Secondary School, Mr Tshifhiwa Tshidzumba, said that, because the school was focusing on science, they made a point of sending learners abroad to participate in science activities.