Science Day is an exciting milestone in the school calendar, sparking anticipation among students. It's a special occasion where their creativity and innovation take center stage, showcasing the results of their hard work and dedication. With each passing year, Science Day serves as a ground for students to transform their ideas into realities, sowing the seeds of their future success.
But what happens to these bright minds once they've left the school gates? Let's see what some previous winners, runners-up, and participants have been up to.
Meet John Norbert, a standout student from the Class of 2022 who began his journey in science competitions back in 2016. John really shone in 2018 and 2019, winning top honors with projects like the "Automatic Solar Panel Tracker" and "ALICE - A Digital Home Optimization System." With ALICE, he competed in the regional and national levels and managed to win the Karimjee Perpetual Trophy as the best project in the Technology Category.
His incredible success didn't just highlight his love for computer science; it also helped him get a scholarship to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. Now, John is diving into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, getting ready to tackle big challenges.
"My friend (Stephen) and I have different upcoming projects based on awareness. We will start online then we will visit different schools and universities, targeting mostly the youth to reduce technophobia," John explains.
Now, let's travel to Rwanda to meet Ramadhani Shafi, Class of 2022, currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in software engineering at African Leadership University. When we spoke to Ramadhani, he said, "Ever since I was in primary school, my fascination with science has been unwavering. I eagerly joined the Science Club, where I collaborated with fellow members on various projects. This sparked my curiosity, leading me to delve deeper into innovation."
Ramadhani's innovative project, "REAwash," an automatic hand-washing machine developed during the 2021 Science Day at St Jude's, grabbed attention for its timely response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. From winning regional accolades to actively engaging in community-driven initiatives like creating affordable and portable clean energy solutions, Ramadhani embodies the spirit of innovation and social responsibility.
Another successful progeny of the St Jude's Science Day is Edgar, Class of 2019, who now has a company called Green Venture. Edgar first presented his prototype of plastic bricks at Science Day. From there, he continued refining his idea and now has his own company. He generously co-sponsored the 2024 Science Day by donating TZS 1.5 million—a truly heartening gesture of giving back to the school for a cause that started him on his entrepreneurial journey.
So, let's remember that Science Day is more than just a yearly event—it's a stepping stone for growth and community impact. As we celebrate past successes and look to the future, let's embrace curiosity and support the next generation of innovators. Let's continue to dream big and make Science Day a lifelong journey of discovery.
If you are interested in sponsoring any future events at St Jude's, please reach out to the Alumni team via alumni@schoolofstjude.co.tz. One can also consider how they can contribute to nurturing the budding talents of young innovators. Whether through mentorship, resource provision, or educational initiatives, your support can make a significant difference in shaping the future of innovation and progress. Let's join hands in investing in tomorrow's innovators and building a brighter, more innovative world together.
