For Hannah Jordaan, research is more than scientific discovery. It is also an opportunity to create awareness and make a difference, a commitment that earned the Kingfisher Private School learner one of the prestigious honours at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
Jordaan, who represented the Mopani Region in Limpopo, received a Silver medal and the Meiring Naudé Award, which includes a Gold Medal and a R5 000 cash prize.
“I am incredibly grateful to have won a prestigious award and am grateful to the family and friends who supported me,” Jordaan said. “This project reflects that hard work was done, and I remain passionate about raising awareness for the Deaf.”
For Jordaan, one of the most meaningful outcomes has been the response her research has received beyond the competition itself. “I have also had a significant response from the Deaf community,” she said.
Her journey into Eskom Expo was driven by a desire to expand her knowledge and gain valuable experience. Her Physical Sciences teacher, Mr Nechombo, also played an important role by encouraging her to challenge herself and participate.
“I was first drawn to Eskom Expo in the hopes of furthering my knowledge and gaining valuable experience,” she said. “My Physical Science teacher, Mr Nechombo, was pushing me to go further and take part.”
While receiving the Meiring Naudé Award was a major achievement, some of Jordaan’s favourite memories from ISF came from simple conversations with fellow young scientists.
She particularly remembers participants walking around the exhibition, asking questions about one another’s research and sharing their experiences during an otherwise demanding competition.
“It was such a human experience in that stressful period,” Jordaan said. “It helped me realise that we were all in the same boat. The knowledge that I gained simply by talking to others was invaluable.”
Her curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics has been encouraged by the people around her, particularly her parents, teachers and mentors.
“My passion comes from my desire to understand the world around me and has been developed greatly by parents, teachers and mentors, all of whom have never stopped me from questioning the world around me,” she said.
Outside STEMI, Jordaan pursues a wide variety of interests. She participates in drama, horse riding and swimming, plays the guitar and enjoys reading.
Having experienced both the challenges and rewards of taking a project through Eskom Expo, Jordaan encourages other young scientists not to be discouraged by how demanding the journey can become.
“To the young scientists who are considering participating in ISF, please know that whatever you put your mind to is possible, although it is not an easy road to travel,” she said.
“Although the journey is fraught with challenges, the reward achieved by taking part is worth every drop of sweat and tears.”
CreativeBox
