KOICA holds science competitions

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the Rwanda Education Board (Reb), held the third science competition for secondary schools last week.The competition, held at Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC), brought together 222 students from 57 schools across the country to encourage them to embrace science subjects.Emmanuel Muvunyi, the Reb deputy director for Examination and Accreditation, said the competition includes a science fair, discussions, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, computer tests and bridge construction, and plane making experiments, among others.“The competition is meant to encourage students to put more emphasis on science subjects because some students have a feeling that science subjects are difficult,” Muvunyi said.Students showcased various talents in science where they presented several projects like how to get water from the well without using power, constructing bridges, making airplanes, making microphones all of which involved innovation, creativity and research.“The ministry believes that through such competitions, the love for science can be instilled in students,” he added.“The competitions are enjoyable and they have instilled a sense of independence in us because we are encouraged to do research on various topics on our own,” said Jean Paul Niyisenga, a student at Byimana School of Science.Denise Uwimana, a student at E.S Nyabirasi in Rutsiro District, urged fellow students to overcome the fear for sciences and explore the field.ES Nyabisirasi emerged the best in the science fair, while G.S St. Benedette-stave the best in the science contest. G.S Kibeho topped the experiment category.