Major African science fair needs a hand

A CALL has gone out to Namibians to help make Africa’s first regional science fair in Windhoek next month a resounding success.

Between 600 and 700 young scientists from Africa and beyond are expected to take part in ESA -2006, as the fair is known, from August 28 to September 1. Former president Sam Nujoma is patron of the event and will be assisting organisers with promoting it, said Raoul Matzopoulos, chairperson of the Namibian branch of the International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology (Imlast).He said despite generous sponsorships from Total South Africa, NamPower and Eskom, organisers still needed help in various areas.One of these is bedding to make the visitors comfortable.Skorpion Zinc has indicated it would provide about 300 blankets.Financial assistance is also required for Namibian participants.”The fair is held under the auspices of the international body MILSET which requires all participants (including Namibians) to pay N$250,” Matzopoulos said in a statement.The Office of the Prime Minister has set an example by sponsoring two Namibian students.With outside participation also expected from China, Brazil, Mexico, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United States, Matzopoulos said the fair would provide a good opportunity to expose Namibia to new tourist markets, especially from Arab countries.”Those Namibian companies who wish to promote themselves can do so by advertising on our website www.esa2006.org,” he said.The organisers would also welcome contribution of meat, fruit and vegetables from farmers and supermarkets.Namibian young scientists from the different regions are winding up their regional science fairs to select candidates with the best projects that will go to ESA-2006.For more information contact Imlast in Windhoek at tel (061) 220785 or 225897, fax 212071 or 225896 or cell 081-297-9336 or 081-207-4457.E-mail rmatz@africaonline.com.naFormer president Sam Nujoma is patron of the event and will be assisting organisers with promoting it, said Raoul Matzopoulos, chairperson of the Namibian branch of the International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology (Imlast).He said despite generous sponsorships from Total South Africa, NamPower and Eskom, organisers still needed help in various areas.One of these is bedding to make the visitors comfortable.Skorpion Zinc has indicated it would provide about 300 blankets.Financial assistance is also required for Namibian participants.”The fair is held under the auspices of the international body MILSET which requires all participants (including Namibians) to pay N$250,” Matzopoulos said in a statement.The Office of the Prime Minister has set an example by sponsoring two Namibian students.With outside participation also expected from China, Brazil, Mexico, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United States, Matzopoulos said the fair would provide a good opportunity to expose Namibia to new tourist markets, especially from Arab countries.”Those Namibian companies who wish to promote themselves can do so by advertising on our website www.esa2006.org,” he said.The organisers would also welcome contribution of meat, fruit and vegetables from farmers and supermarkets.Namibian young scientists from the different regions are winding up their regional science fairs to select candidates with the best projects that will go to ESA-2006.For more information contact Imlast in Windhoek at tel (061) 220785 or 225897, fax 212071 or 225896 or cell 081-297-9336 or 081-207-4457.E-mail rmatz@africaonline.com.na