Abigail Kiongo, a Grade 9 learner from Soneike High School in Highbury, Kuils River, has won the annual Community Chest Science Quest final, held on Tuesday 13 October at the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC) in Observatory.

Kiongo walked away with a laptop and bag after topping the field of 80 finalists from six participating schools, all in the Metro East Education District.

Months of coding, problem-solving and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) challenges led up to the final. A CTSC team presented an hour-long challenge to interested Grade 9 learners at each of the participating schools, shortlisting the top performers. All 80 were invited to the final, with transport and lunch packs provided.

Now in its ninth year, the programme has encouraged hundreds of learners to explore STEM, while teaching them critical skills and teamwork.

“The learners showed great enthusiasm during the finals and the competition was fairly nail-biting until the final result was revealed,” said Peter Heeger, Community Chest CEO.

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Learners shine

Uyinthando Mkonjeni (second) from the Centre of Science and Technology (Cosat) in Khayelitsha and Moegamad Nell (third) from Apex High School in Eerste River completed the top three. They also received laptops.

Besides Kiongo, four more learners from Soneike High finished in the top 10. Mason Januarie was fourth, Kubobonke Solomon seventh, Layla Dreyer eighth and Lunje Msutu finished tenth.

Positions four to six received tablets, positions seven to 13 received earpods, and positions 14 to 25 received headphones.

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Education

Part of the Community Chest Western Cape school programmes, the Science Quest aims to create excitement around STEM while giving learners a chance to win prizes. “Education is one of Community Chest’s key pillars and it’s in our interest to invest in the education of our youth,” Heeger said.

The competition was presented in partnership with CTSC, Octotel and Good Hope FM, which broadcast the final live on The Great Drive show.

Participating schools were: Soneike High (Highbury), Apex High School, Tuscany Glen High (both Eerste River), Cosat, Iqhayiya Secondary (both Khayelitsha), and Zandvliet High (Macassar).

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