Celebrating young innovators

Khomas hosts Science Fair
Top learners earned medals and the opportunity to represent the region at the national competition.
Marina Antonio
  • 2 Weeks Ago

The Khomas Regional Science Fair celebrated the creativity, curiosity and problem-solving skills of young scientists during its awards ceremony held at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) in Windhoek from 13 to 17 July.

The event brought together 104 learners from 24 schools, including 15 primary schools, seven secondary schools and two special schools, who presented research projects aimed at solving real-life challenges. The top-performing entries received medals and earned the opportunity to represent the region at the National Science Fair in Windhoek from 7 to 14 September.

Learners were challenged to identify everyday problems, conduct research and develop scientific solutions across 11 competition categories. Their projects were assessed by lecturers from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Delivering the keynote address, Khomas Regional Director of Education Paulus Nghikembua said the event represented more than a competition. “Today is more than the presentation of medals, certificates and trophies. It is a celebration of curiosity, hard work, resilience, commitment and the pursuit of knowledge and solutions.”

He added that science fairs allow learners to apply classroom knowledge, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively and develop innovative responses to real-world challenges.

One of the highlights of this year’s fair was the achievement of a learner from Dagbreek Resource School, who became the first learner from a resource school for learners with intellectual disabilities to participate in the Khomas Science Fair and win a gold medal.

The achievement reflected the competition’s growing focus on inclusion. Science Fair coordinator Joseph Haufila said the region was fortunate to have participation from resource and special schools, including Dagbreek Resource School and the Visually Impaired School.

Haufila said independent academic judges were appointed to ensure a fair assessment process. “The projects were judged by different lecturers from NUST and UNAM,” he said.

The competition awarded 25 gold, 14 silver and 22 bronze medals. Windhoek High School received the award for the best secondary school, while Windhoek Afrikaans Primary School was named the best primary school.

Twelve projects – six from primary schools and six from secondary schools – were selected to represent the Khomas Region at the National Science Fair.