The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) collaborated with the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the Capricorn District Municipality to engage learners in and around Vlakfontein, Cooperspark, Ga-Kibi, Seshego, Ga-Matlala and Avon villages as part of the national celebration for the World Space Week. The celebration took place under the theme ‘Women in Space’.
Above: Mr Dan Matsapola explaining to Makgatho Secondary School learners about the way satellites operate
The exhibition and career guidance engagements were aimed at providing information regarding different career and study opportunities in Disaster Management and Space industry to grade 12 learners from different high schools.
The World Space Week is an annual global event that was globally celebrated from 04-10 October 2021 to commemorate the launch of the 81kg Russian Satellite Sputnik-1 that happened on 04 October 1957. The 10th of October marks the signing of the treaty at the United Nations for peaceful use of outer space.
Above: UNIVEN Schools Liaison Officer, Mr Takalani Nyelisani explaining to learners about opportunities and various qualifications/programmes available for study at UNIVEN, including the new programme in Disaster Risk Reduction Management.
Similarly, the Capricorn District Municipality Disaster Management Unit, collaborated with the University of Venda and SANSA in commemorating the International Day for Disaster Reduction which is hosted under Target F on the Sendal Framework “Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of the present Framework by 2030”.
The event started with build-up activities towards the main event on 12 October 2021. The date of the 5th October 2021 hosted an IDDR Awareness and Career Exhibition for surrounding schools in Cooperspark village, Blouberg Local Municipality; and the district 2021 theme focused on “Substantially enhance District Development Model through adequate and sustainable support to complement District Disaster Management Programmes”.
Above: Learners from local schools visiting UNIVEN stall during the IDDR Awareness and Career Exhibition held at Cooperspark, Blouberg
The overriding purpose of the commemoration was to promote the knowledge of Disaster Risk Management and related career paths. In terms of Section 6.3.3 of the National Disaster Management Framework, it is required that DRR education be integrated into primary and secondary curricula with a consideration that “schools should be regarded as focal points for raising awareness about disaster risk management to be linked to broader education programmes on development and the environment”.
The project was aimed at assisting learners to understand the rationale for careers in Disaster Management and Emergency Management fraternity. It was also aimed at providing learners with information on available institutions in the District that offer Higher Education in the related fields.
The team also visited Mohlabi Primary School where ten (10) local Secondary Schools held a bootcamp for 400 grade 12 learners. These learners were addressed in six (6) groups.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 21 October 2021
