Pioneering explorer Riaan Manser will take five learners in Grade 11 and 12 from across the country on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Antarctica from Wednesday 6 to 13 December.
Lucky enough to be chosen out of thousands of senior learners who entered the 2023 Matrics in Antarctica programme, is James Pringle, a Grade 11 learner at Parel Vallei High School.
The 17-year-old exploration teammate from Somerset West recalled learning about the programme from a close relation and immediately thinking to himself “why not?” He entered about a month ago, with requirements such as video and essay entries submitted to be chosen among the top 12 and an online interview held for the final decision. Now, James will leave behind the summer heat to embark on a unique educational mission to learn more about sustainability, the diverse ecosystem and conservation in icy cold conditions.
Asked how he feels about his selection into the programme James responded: “I’m incredibly excited, overwhelmed and shocked all at once. It still quite honestly doesn’t feel real; I mean how do you really go back to writing a chemistry exam after finding out that you are going to be travelling to Antarctica in about three weeks?”
This year’s edition of the programme will be the fourth of its kind and sees the five winners fly from Cape Town to Antarctica where they will spend six days hiking, learning about the environment and exploring its beauty, aside from working with researchers and setting up solar panels as part of activities. The initiative is supported by the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and several sponsors who understand the need to educate young South Africans on conservation. This epic adventure is set to entice students to think about how daily actions affect the environment and what changes can be made locally to challenge the effects of global warming and climate change.
James shares looking forward to being able to work with the researchers as the scientific aspect of the trip is one that has definitely held his interest. However, the youngster did admit he is a little apprehensive about being so far away from society. “Being away from home is fine, as I have travelled far before, but being so out of touch with the rest of the world sounds like a completely different kind of daunting experience.”
James has dedicated himself to more frequent runs to maintain a suitable level of fitness while awaiting confirmation of the necessary preparations ahead of the trip.
James’ parents, Pippa and Stuart, expressed their hopes for their son, who is fuelled by his passion for nature and science, to enjoy absolutely every minute of the adventure and absorb as much of the experience as possible. Said Pippa: “We couldn’t be prouder of him, taking into account that we had no involvement with this process at all. It was something he embarked on on his own, and this alone has shown us what an incredible young adult he’s becoming. Getting this opportunity is absolutely surreal and we can’t wait to hear all about his adventures upon his return.”
James hopes to gain a better understanding of what is really happening to the world at the moment as well as exactly what is being done to combat the issues. “I also hope to create connections to one day use to further my pursuits for environmental change,” he said.
“I think this is an amazing competition that genuinely assists in inspiring people to really make a change, even the applicants that perhaps didn’t make it as far. I congratulate everybody that entered and hope to see this competition or likewise continue for much more time to come.”
