This week some of Botswana’s brightest young people will sample Mathematics through the eyes of an ant and attempt to use Physics and Chemistry to save the world thanks to a special partnership between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (Education Hub) and the International Gateway for Gifted Youth (IGGY).

The International Gateway for Gifted Youth is aimed at the brightest and most creative young people from around the world.  It is part of the University of Warwick in the UK but among its many other activities it runs residential “IGGY U” courses to help gifted young students to explore their favourite subjects in depth with access to high quality teaching and equipment. Their abilities are challenged in a mixture of workshops, lectures, field trips and group work.

IGGY Director Ken Sloan said:

We are delighted that IGGY is holding its first ever IGGY U in Africa in partnership with the Botswana Education Hub and the Botswana Accountancy College.  Ninety of the brightest and most creative young people from Botswana, South Africa, Brunei, Ghana, Tanzania, and the UK will enjoy special courses in Mathematics, Creative Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

The courses, which will run from 15-28 August include: musician poet, lyricist, cartoonist Peter Blegvad leading a course in creative writing; how to use physics and chemistry to save the world; and looking at Mathematics through the eyes of an ant and how Mathematics helps explains how insects have flourished on earth for such a long period of time.

The Coordinator of the Education Hub, Bridget John said:

“Hosting a gifted youth programme in Botswana is part of the Education Hub Strategy to promote partnerships with reputable Institutions in pursuit of excellence and position Botswana as a premiere destination for education.”

For his part, the Executive Director for Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) Mike Lesolle stated that “ for too long in our country, talented young people have lost the opportunity to explore their full potential through their gift. BAC is well on its way to partner with key stakeholders here at home and internationally to identify, develop and nurture their talent.”

Notes for editors IGGY's web site can be found at:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/iggy

For further information please contact: 

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications
Communications Office, University House,
University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 8UW, United Kingdom   
email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)24 76 523708  Mobile/Cell:  +44 (0)7767 655860

Pr93  16th  August 2010