Windhoek — Nearly 300 learners from 23 high and primary schools participated in the Khomas Region Science Fair this week.

A wide range of projects were on exhibition at the Polytechnic of Namibia as learners vied to impress the judges and to score a place in the Khomas team to participate in the National Science Fair later this year. In the end, the judges had a difficult task to elect the winners in the various categories.

St George's Primary School was awarded the top position in the Primary School section while St Paul's College learners were the overall winners in the High School section.

The team to represent the Khomas Region in the national competition will be announced in due course, according to Yvonne Hansen, one of the organisers of this annual event.

Charles Gaseb, a Grade 12 learner of Concordia College, was a pleasant surprise at the prize-giving ceremony of the Science Fair when he delivered the keynote address.

Addressing the participants, their parents and the sponsors, Charles said the Science Fair was the ideal opportunity for young scientists to be recognised for their great effort and determination in what they do.

"Like many of you here today, I too have sometimes not received a medal for my great effort, but I want to tell you young scientists that winning a medal is not winning till you have won the hearts and appreciation of the people.

"Being the managing director of a company, I can tell you that it is not easy to make it to where I am today, but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With the assistance of some mathematics and science, my partner, Joseph Shivute, and I started our company two months ago. It was not easy, but today we are standing strong and making this country a better place for you and me.

"Like some of you present here, this is the last time I have participated in the Science Fair, but what I have learnt and gained will never stop here. So to you my fellow young scientists, I extend my congratulations on a job well done.