A Wits University outreach initiative promoted a love for science and inspired young minds to preserve South Africa’s rich dinosaur heritage.
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 August 2024) – They are big, scary and scaley, but there’s an undeniable fascination with dinosaurs that sparks a frenzy of excitement in many young minds.
Feeding the desire to learn more about this ancient, diverse group of reptiles were University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) palaeontologists who visited SAHETI School to provide a fossil learning opportunity for children through a fun-filled dinosaur show.
With eyes and mouths wide open with intrigue and fascination, learners received an educational presentation about the work done by palaeontologists, demonstrating the tools and showing videos depicting a day in the life of a dinosaur dig.
Learners also had the chance to see and touch fossil replicas of South African dinosaurs from Wits’ vast collection of fossils.
According to Wits, outreach activities are a cornerstone of Professor Jonah Choiniere’s research, designed to inspire young South Africans to pursue careers in palaeontology.
Choiniere, from the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits, has worked with schools across greater Johannesburg and the rural village of Qhemegha to raise awareness about the fascinating world of South African dinosaurs.
“I hope South African learners develop a sense of pride in their dinosaurs, like the giant plant-eater Ledumahadi and the early carnivore Dracovenator. These extinct animals are part of our unique national heritage,” said Choiniere.
SAHETI School teacher Luiss Perregil said such educational initiatives provided learning opportunities for children to discover different worlds that they are not exposed to.
The visit concluded with a fun appearance by an inflatable T. rex and some delicious fossil-shaped biscuits made by a local bakery.
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