Cape Town - Hundreds of pupils from more than 120 South African schools applied to go to the Nasa Summer School Programme and only two were chosen – both from Paarl in the Western Cape.
Jacques Burger, a Grade 10 pupil at Paarl Boys’ High, and Anke Swart, a Grade 11 pupil at Paarl Gym Hoërskool, were selected to represent South Africa at the annual Nasa Space School Summer Programme in Houston, Texas.
The pupils will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about space at the Houston Space Centre.
The 15-year-old Jacques, who leaves for Houston on Friday, said he couldn’t wait.
“I don’t think it’s hit me until this week, but I am going to Houston through London on my own. I can’t wait.”
Anke, 16, agreed.
“Looking forward to it would be an understatement,” she said. “I have been at a provincial hockey tournament over the vacation, but all my thoughts have been on the trip.”
The pupils will take part in a cultural exchange fair with people from all over the world.
“I am making a traditional bobotie to give them a taste of South Africa. We are also planning to perform gumboot dancing,” Anke said.
Jacques said science had always been one of his favourite subjects.
“My dad is a chemical engineer, so I think I got it from him.”
The pupils are going to Houston for two weeks and had to go through a rigorous selection process, which involved writing a motivation, answering a questionnaire and being grilled in an interview.
Paarl Boys’ High principal Derek Swart said Jacques had always been an excellent academic performer. “I think he will be a great ambassador not only for the school but also for the country. I hope he comes back and shares what he learns with us and his mates.”
Swart was not surprised that both pupils were from Paarl because he said the town boasted a tradition of good schools.
“If you look at matric results we’ve always had very strong schools,” he said. - Cape Times