The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) hosts the Generation Science (Gen S) job shadowing programme annually, an initiative that started in 2022. Following a successful meeting between team members from the Corporate and Marketing Communication Division and a Western Cape Education Department (WCED) representative, Mr Ismail Teladia – Senior Curriculum Planner (Life Orientation / Life Skills), the WCED has given its support for the Gen S Job Shadowing Programme.
As an organisation, the SAMRC is not only focused on scientific research and health-related interventions both nationally and internationally but also seeks to give back to the local communities it serves. Through capacity building and ensuring that future generations are well-equipped for a career in health science research. The Gen S Programme is one such manner of achieving this, where Grade 11/12 learners interested in science, health and mathematical fields have an opportunity to gain first-hand practical experience in the careers available through the SAMRC that strives to create a better life for all South Africans.
Mr Teladia said “We wish to confirm the WCED support for the SAMRC Gen-S Programme in support of learners making informed career choices. This forms part of the Life Orientation curriculum support for our teachers and learners. In this regard, we have seen the alignment with the Life Orientation CAPs curriculum and our move toward strengthening our Life Orientation Career Clubs Programme.”
Mr Tendani Tsedu, Head of SAMRC’s Corporate and Marketing Communications Division expressed enthusiasm for the programme stating, “The responsibility to create opportunities for scholars to interact with science is an experience for both the learners and the organisation. It’s an experience we take pride in making possible, it’s also an experience we hope inspires the next generation of scientists. This leg of the GenS job shadowing programme promises to be more exciting as we have the opportunity to work with the Western Cape Education Department and other key stakeholders.”
Planning for this year’s Gen S Campaign is currently underway, taking place during Youth Month. We are excited to welcome new young minds into our work environment, and expose them to opportunities in Science and Research, to aid young learners in shaping their career choices.
The SAMRC is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research, and public health studies.
View moments from the Gen S 2023 programme in Cape Town and Durban | HERE