Neurites Kids Science Labs smash science misconceptions
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The Neurites Kids Science Labs are on a mission to counteract misconception around Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M).
Neurites Kids Science Labs held a workshop for scholars over the weekend at Botho University to iron out the matters. With a boot camp slated for the end of March.
They are a Non-Government Organization focusing on educating and training young learner’s age ranging from 5 years until form 5. Paying attention to the areas of Science Technology Engineering Art and Maths (STEAM).
During an interview with this publication, the labs public relation and communication officer; Bonolo Moletsane explained the meaning behind ‘The Neurites Kids Science Labs’.
She said, “the name came after neuronal projections from a neuron’s cell body that need glial cells to support their growth and development. Children are beautiful projections from our communities and societies who need us as they grow and mature. While still in their developmental stage, it is challenging to distinguish their talents and abilities, just as it is difficult to tell axons from dendrites before differentiation is complete. The Entity was registered in 2020.”
Dr. Tiroyaone Brombacher, a psychologist, Neuroscience and immunologist (psycho-neuro-immunologist) founded The Neurites Kids Science Labs after noticing that many children enter university without ever having set foot in the laboratory. “Most of these children have never performed a hands on experiment, nor have they conducted a basic research project. This certainly contributes to the myth that science is hard and that it is for only a small percent of gifted people,” lamented Moletsane.
Moletsane said that the aim of The Neurites Kids Science Labs is to smash some of these myths by promoting STEAM practical experiments that compliment textbook/classroom material. This is achieved by utilizing virtual platforms and a mobile laboratory service. The objective is to give every boy and girl equal opportunity to access STEAM by the time they reach university.
She further noted that Vision and Mission is to support academic growth, self-development and mental awareness of young learners through curriculum based experiments. They do that by rendering services in tutoring, camping, retreats and experiments with STEAM. Moletsane said that they are not about making money but rather making impact. We have payed programs and non-payed on those who have no means to pay or resources.
“The Neurites get to enjoy interdisplinary approaches to exploring the world around them. They benefit from interacting with professionals and experts in the field of S.T.E.A.M. These young minds learn how to form a hypothesis, make an observation, ask questions, examine results, draw conclusions and report their findings. The STEAM team compromises of professionals from genetics, microbiologist, education psychologist and other trained professionals,” said Moletsane.
The STEAM is sponsored by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Organisation for Women in Science in Developing Communities (OWSD) and Team Agencies: food, beverage, water & gazebos sponsor, provided us with Lancewood & Pepsi products
Moletsane said their facilities for all programs are in Thamaga. The Neurites are reachable by – WHATSAPP only on 72830998 – calls: 75310553, Orange number. – Facebook is @theneurites – Website is www.neuriteskidssciencelabs.com – email is theneurites@gathato.com
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Malawi appeals for help over Cyclone Freddy at PAP
As of yesterday evening, the death toll from the Cyclone in Malawi had risen from the initially reported 190 to 225 in a short period of time, over 20 000 people have been displaced, and the worst of fears are yet to come as the fatalities continue to mount. This was reported by a Malawi Member of Parliament attending the Pan African Parliament session in Midrand, South Africa, Hon Steven Mikiya.
Mikiya was giving a statement on behalf of Malawi as the ongoing Pan African Parliament in South Africa.
Mikiya said the Cyclone has wreaked the most havoc in our country’s Southern Region. “The Southern Region, has been hardest hit with widespread heavy rains and strong winds. This caused a rapid rise in water levels and subsequent flooding. Meanwhile, power supply has been disrupted, roads blocked off and rendered impassable and mudslides have also been widely reported,” he said.
He made a special appeal to the PAP: “Where I come from, there is a parable which I would like to share with you which says, “mzako weniweni umamudziwa panthawi ya mavuto.” Simply put, a friend in need is a friend indeed or put loosely, a person who helps at a difficult time is a friend you can rely on.”
Mikiya continued: “Yes! Misfortune has knocked on our door and left in its wake a trail of death and destruction that may take years to fully recover from. However, amidst these difficulties, I have every reason to believe that sometimes when you are in a dark place and think you have been buried, you have actually been planted. My belief, Mr. President, arises out of my faith in this gathering and out of the conviction that it is not coincidental that Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi and Mozambique while the delegations of both countries are here.”
According to Mikiya, the level of destruction, the loss of life, property and the decimation of the entire fabric of established communities has been unprecedented. He noted that all this, is coming at a time when Malawi was starting to show signs of recovery from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that also came hard on the heels of Cyclone Ana and Cyclone Gombe that left a similar trail of devastation and destruction in Malawi and neighbouring countries.
As of Sunday, this week, from the 12th of March, Malawi and Mozambique have been facing the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy that made a landfall over Mozambique on Saturday the 11th and reached Malawi by Sunday the 12th of March.
The Malawi legislator said he has absolute faith in the Pan African Parliament, which he described as “a league of nations brought together by a shared ancestry, history, identity as well as our beloved continent which we inhabit”.
Meanwhile, Malawi President, Lazarus Chakwera, has declared a State of Disaster in the affected areas effectively appealing for local and international support for the affected families.
Mikiya appealed to the Pan African Parliament drawing “positive” inspiration from Europe which rallied around Turkey after the destructive earthquakes to bring the much-needed relief and humanitarian aid to the people of Turkey.
He said Africa should demonstrate to the world that the African Union and its Organs are not mere talk shows, but effective institutions which stand up when it matters most.
“Alone, it may take us a lifetime to fully recover, but together, in the Pan-Africanist spirit of Ubuntu, our lives and livelihoods will return to a semblance of normality in record time. This is the time to live by our operative mantra, “One Africa, One Voice.” Mikiya concluded.