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((PLAYBOOK SLUG: SAFRICA ASTRONAUT STEM FEMALES (TV/R)
HEADLINE: Blasting Stereotypes Out of this World
TEASER:
PUBLISHED: 05/15/2023 AT
BYLINE: Zaheer Cassim
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Johannesburg, South Africa
VIDEOGRAPHER: Zaheer Cassim
PRODUCER: Zaheer Cassim
SCRIPT EDITORS: DLJ, MAS
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB__ TV X RADIO X
TRT: 2:45
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG ))
((INTRO)) In South Africa, women make up only 13 percent of graduates with degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - or STEM. In an effort to interest more young women in those fields, retired U.S. astronaut Nicole Stott is visiting schools in South Africa to talk about her 104 days in space. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg.
((NARRATOR))
It’s a packed house to see an inspiration to so many girls around the world.
Nicole Stott, a retired astronaut and accomplished artist, is touring South African schools to promote STEM education.
With her unique background in science and the arts, she emphasizes the importance of STEAM, incorporating arts into the traditional STEM disciplines, which include Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
((Nicole Stott, Retired U.S. Astronaut (English: 26 seconds))
"When you add STEAM in, I think what we are doing, we’re encouraging our kids to use their whole brain. Right, to consider all of their talents when they trying to solve a problem and we’re going to be relying on them to solve some of the greatest planetary challenges we’ve ever had, so we want them to use their whole brain and I think that STEM with the “A,” STEAM puts them in a place to do that. To recognize the tools and their talents to bring that together.”
In South Africa, women make up 13 percent of STEM graduates. Steve Sherman is determined to make that number rise.
He’s an award-winning teacher and the founder of the non-profit organization Living Maths.
((Steve Sherman, Living Maths (English: 33 seconds)) ((this is the correct incue
“If you look at the number of scientists, there are too few women in that field. They are underrepresented. And possibly it could be that some of these students don't feel that they have what it takes because they only see male role models. So, you bring out a woman role model, and all of a sudden students start to see someone that they can relate to and that is critical when it comes to motivating them and getting them enthusiastic about following a career in STEM.”
((NARRATOR))
South Africa itself plays an important role in space exploration, with plans for a ground station in the Karoo region that will support NASA's future deep space missions.
Nineth grade student, Azraa Eroglu, says Stutt has been an inspiration to her and her friends.
((Azraa Eroglu, Student (English:30 seconds))
“I remember when Nicole Stott, I used to watch her because I had like a lot of interest in astronomy. So, I had a video of her explaining how you do some things in space. And now seeing her here is, like, really joyful. If you want to do something, the environment you are in or the people you are around has nothing to do with what you want to do. As long as you have your hopes high, you can do it.”
((NARRATOR))
Buckle up, South Africa, because the future of science and innovation is about to launch, powered by the unstoppable determination of young minds.
((Zaheer Cassim for VOA News, Johannesburg))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
