The SAMRC’s Job Shadow Programme - Generation Science (Gen S) took place during Youth Month once again. The programme allows students from Grades 11 and 12 to visit the organisation and gain a deeper understanding of the work we do and how we aim to make a difference in affecting the health of all South Africans for the better.
Starting in Cape Town on the 18-21st June at the Medicina campus, we welcomed 56 learners in Grade 11 and 12, who got to spend time with our scientists and researchers in participating units, which included Centre for TB Research Unit, Genomics Platform, Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, Biostats, Environment and Health Research Unit and the Non-communicable Disease Research Unit. The learners were also taken on a walkabout to learn more about our respective Support Divisions and how we all work together to make science possible.
For the first time Gen S came to the Pretoria campus on the 25-26th June, hosting 16 Grade 11 and 12 learners, who got to learn more about the work being performed by the Biostats, TB Platform, SAFOODS and Gender and Health Research Unit, spending time with our researchers and gaining hands on practical training.
This year, Gen S 2024 programme was completed at the Durban campus, taking place from 1-3 July, where 23 learners spent time with our staff at HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Biostats, SAPRIN, Health Systems Research Unit, while visiting our clinical research sites as well as the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI).
As customary, after the completion of the programme, each learner received a certificate of attendance at a closing ceremony. From the feedback provided by the learners, Gen S is a thriving initiative that did well to educate about our science while inspiring the younger generation towards future careers in Health Science.
The Corporate and Marketing Communications Division would like to thank all participating Units and Divisions for making this programme a great success, which would not be possible without your contribution and collaboration. We would also like to thank the Western Cape Education Department for endorsing our programme and assistance with allocating schools in Cape Town and Pretoria.
View some of the moments of Gen S 2024
