Making rapid strides at the tender age of 16, Itumeleng Mhlongo recently returned to the country, following a four-week educational trip to China between July and August.
Representing Lufhereng Secondary School in Soweto, the Grade 10 learner was one of the nine South African learners at the AFS Global STEM Academy in China with 150 other teenage participants.
The academy provides a 16-week programme in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) aimed at developing the STEM skills of young people towards global socio-economic solutions and sustainability.
Through the 12-week online learning and four-week physical classes in four of the academy’s global branches, the curriculum encouraged participants to become global citizens and leaders.
Being the rose among the thorns, Itumeleng’s township background did not deter her from applying with 6 000 global applicants, where she was competing with learners from esteemed private schools.
Noting she was overjoyed but also overwhelmed with mixed emotions after receiving the acceptance email, she said: “I felt ecstatic, proud and surprised, but there was fear. I was the first one in my family to travel internationally.”
Embraced by fear that she would not fit in, she highlighted her American accent would work to her advantage. “Growing up watching countless American TV shows has helped me develop an accent that would make me feel more at ease in a global setting,” said Itumeleng.
Although excited for her journey, the teenager mentioned her parents were quite afraid about the international trip. “My parents and teachers were overjoyed and proud, but I could sense a hint of concern. They knew I was venturing into the unknown, but they also trusted me to make the most of it. Despite the initial fear, I knew that I had to embrace this opportunity,” said Itumeleng.
Describing China as the hub of futuristic technology, the academy aided Itumeleng to tap into a slew of advanced technology projects, from electric vehicles and renewable energy to developing her computer-aided design (CAD) skills.
She stated that Chinese companies are driving innovation in manufacturing, marketing and energy solutions.
“I gained invaluable knowledge by learning about the latest advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous driving and sustainable transportation solutions. I designed and built drones, learnt about aerodynamics, materials science and programming.
“I worked on projects such as bridge construction and structural integrity, and engineering. I also participated in realistic flight simulations, where I learnt about control systems and aviation technology.”
The aspiring neurosurgeon stated the knowledge and skills she acquired at the academy would help develop her problem-solving skills in complex medical situations.
“Familiarity with advancements in fields such as mobility, energy and materials science would help me stay updated on medical technologies and innovations. CAD and bridge making enhanced my ability to visualise complex structures and systems, which are crucial for neurosurgery,” she said.
In addition, the academy helped stimulate Itumeleng’s heroic attributes, as she created a project focusing on alternative ways to generate electricity in her community.
The project, a kinetic energy incentive, aimed to erase constant power outages in her community while maintaining affordable, accessible and sustainable energy.
“I have designed two innovative solutions. Kinetic power shoes capture energy footsteps, while kinetic-powered highways use piezoelectric materials to convert the energy from passing vehicles into electrical energy.”
Unlike solar panels and generators, her project is also inclusive of the low-income class for access to alternative energy.
“I knew I had to do something, because where would these families get money as they survive on social grants? With kinetic energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and alleviate the pressure on the national power grid. The app component of my project enables households to track their energy consumption, access job opportunities and apply for bursaries.”
Itumeleng further described the Chinese as people with Ubuntu, and are welcoming to the diaspora. “The warmth and hospitality I received in China made me realise that despite our cultural differences, we share common humanity. This deepened the importance of cultural exchange and connection.”
The Star