UKZN Science Centre Empowers Eastern Cape Youth Through STEM Career Guidance

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Science Centre recently marked Youth Month by participating in the Amandungwana Youth Summit held at Greenville Junior Secondary School in Mbizana, Eastern Cape.

Convened under the theme ‘Ndungwana of the Future: Building a Proud, Educated and Prosperous Nation’, the summit brought together Higher Education Institutions and other stakeholders to empower young people through education, career development, leadership and mentorship.

A key focus of the engagement was supporting Grade 9 learners as they prepared to select their subjects for Grade 10. The subject choices play an important role in determining the academic programmes and career pathways available to learners after completing high school.

Through a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers presentation, the Science Centre introduced learners to the wide range of opportunities available in STEM. Learners were guided on the subjects required for different university qualifications and encouraged to consider how their interests, abilities and future aspirations could inform their academic decisions.

The centre complemented the career guidance session with an interactive science exhibition that allowed learners to engage with scientific concepts beyond the classroom. The activities demonstrated that science is not only a school subject but also a practical and creative field that contributes to solving real-world challenges.

Learners also had the opportunity to ask questions about university studies, admission requirements, subject selection and careers in STEM. Through these discussions and mentoring interactions, the centre addressed common uncertainties and encouraged learners to begin planning for their futures at an early stage.

The engagement highlighted the importance of providing career guidance before learners make critical subject choices. Without access to accurate information, learners may unintentionally exclude themselves from university programmes and career opportunities.

By taking career information and interactive science experiences directly to learners, UKZN continues to contribute to widening access to Higher Education and strengthening the pipeline of young people entering STEM-related fields.

The summit provided a valuable platform for encouraging learners to recognise their potential, make informed academic choices and take greater ownership of their future. It also reinforced the role of universities in supporting youth development beyond their campuses, particularly in communities where access to career guidance and science engagement opportunities may be limited.

Words: Lexia Naidoo

Photograph: Supplied