Cape Town - A movie featuring the action hero likes of Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner might not immediately strike one as being of inspiration to young maths and science boffs. <\/p>\n
However, a film about black female scientists who put the first astronauts into space is another matter. <\/p>\n
Last Sunday, the computer training institute, Africa Teen Geeks, and City Press co-hosted students from Soweto and Belfast, Mpumalanga, at a screening of the film blockbuster (and Oscar awards contender), Hidden Figures. <\/p>\n
Hidden Figures tells the story of three black women who had to overcome massive racial and gender prejudice in their quest to be recognised as scientists. <\/p>\n
As a result of these womens ground-breaking engineering and mathematical skills, Nasa was able to send the first astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit around the earth in 1962 and bring him back safely to earth. <\/p>\n
The young audience really got emotionally involved in the movie, with spontaneous cheering and clapping breaking out every time these women scientists broke down another cultural barrier. <\/p>\n
The screening took place at The Zone @ Rosebank. Prior to screening, a panel discussion of experts tackled various aspects that would be addressed by the film. <\/p>\n
The panel consisted of: Thabo Molekoa, CEO Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (Sub-Saharan Africa); Toby Chance, DA shadow minister for small business development; Dr Ntombi Khumalo, Johannesburg mayoral committee member (MCM) for corporate and shared services; and Dr Mpho Phalatse, Joburg MCM for health and social development. <\/p>\n
The facilitator was Mitchell Hughes, Wits departmental head of Information Systems. The young students were encouraged by all the panellists to think positively and to chase their dreams. <\/p>\n
I think its important for young girls to believe in themselves, said Khumalo. <\/p>\n
We must be comfortable with who we are, commented Phalatse. <\/p>\n
Molekoa urged men to play their part in inspiring young girls to choose Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers. <\/p>\n
The panel, all high achievers in their own right, agreed that their physical and biological features had never affected their career choices or their performances. <\/p>\n
Thando Chabula, who brought his son along, said: I would like to see more township kids seeing such movies. <\/p>\n
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The black women who pioneered space travel - Channel 24<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cape Town - A movie featuring the action hero likes of Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner might not immediately strike one as being of inspiration to young maths and science boffs. However, a film about black female scientists who put the first astronauts into space is another matter. Continue reading