Seventy Cape Town learners explored careers in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through an Amazon and City libraries initiative, with girls forming the majority.
The science-focused exhibition, hosted at Amazon’s headquarters in Observatory, brought learners together with 12 exhibitors representing different STEAM fields.
Learners were introduced to study and career opportunities while taking part in demonstrations and activities covering robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, flash art and other areas.
It is the second year that City libraries have partnered with Amazon to encourage young people to explore STEAM careers and understand the opportunities available across these growing fields.
The strong participation of girls was particularly significant during Women’s Month.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said encouraging more young women into STEAM could strengthen innovation and increase diversity within industries shaping the future.
“The majority of the students we are hosting are female. It is not only a nod to Women’s Month, but an opportunity for us to encourage our young women to be part of an industry where they can help drive better innovation, expand research diversity, be part of varied teams to solve complex problems and create safer and more accurate solutions to local and global issues,” said Higham.
She added that women bring new perspectives to STEAM fields that can contribute to groundbreaking advancements.
Rather than only hearing about potential careers, learners were able to engage directly with exhibitors, ask questions about study options and experience some of the technologies and activities associated with different fields.
The exhibition also recognised young people already using libraries as spaces for learning and creativity.
Sixteen-year-old Junior Saule from Mfuleni Library was named winner of the Teen Library Ambassador Challenge and received his award from Portfolio Chairperson Councillor Ronel Viljoen.
Saule won a social media competition that invited teenagers to produce a short video explaining why they loved reading and their library.
Learners then participated in a group STEAM quiz before spending time with each of the exhibitors.
The Amazon partnership forms part of wider Science Month activities currently taking place at City libraries.
Libraries across Cape Town are hosting their own STEAM and makerspace programmes, including science shows, experiments and career talks.
By connecting community libraries with industry, the initiative is giving young people greater exposure to careers that will play an increasingly important role in the economy.
For the girls who made up the majority of participants, the exhibition also provided an opportunity to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators and creators.
The exhibition gave girls practical exposure to STEAM careers, while the library partnership connected that inspiration to ongoing community-based learning beyond the Amazon event.
