Imagine being newly matriculated and going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with world-renowned global explorer Riaan Manser? For five matrics, this will become a reality in February.
Western Cape, South Africa (19 January 2022) – Riaan Manser is taking another group of Matriculants to Antarctica on a once in a lifetime expedition!
The ‘Matrics in Antarctica‘ competition provided every single matric student in South Africa with the chance to enter to become one of the five lucky matrics to go on a five-day scientific adventure to Antarctica.
On entry, participants had to answer the question: “What will exploration of the Antarctic continent do to help us preserve a greener, more sustainable existence on our planet?” The study tour will be led by Manser and a distinguished team of professors from the University of Stellenbosch.
On 10 February 2022, the five winners will fly out of Cape Town International Airport on an ALCI alusion cargo plane and land six and a half hours later on an Antarctic runway that is essentially a block of ice. Hosted at Novolazarevskaya, the Russian scientific base, the student’s home for the next five days. The students will spend their time learning about the Antarctic as a whole, the International Antarctic Treaty, exploring its beauty, hiking, taking part in science experiments, participating in a litter cleaning initiative and most importantly, learning about themselves.
On their return, we will follow their progress with campaign implementation in their communities and stand true to the motto of Matrics in Antarctica: Less talking and observation and more action and results. We do not need more activists; we need change-makers.
The five matrics who were selected are:
- Tswaledi Mosa Hlakudi – Brainline – Gauteng
- Anika Le Roux – Paarl Girls High School – Western Cape
- Mattheus Hendrikus (Kol) Wessels – Grey College – Freestate
- Kgosatsana Mabalane – St Michaels School for Girls – Freestate
- Keaton Stansfeld – Jeppe High School for Boys – Gauteng
One family wrote a heartfelt letter to thank Manser and the team for the opportunity.
Good evening to everyone involved in Matrics in Antarctica (MIA),
How do we begin to say “Thank you!” The task seems impossible; however, here is a small but heartfelt attempt.
Thank you for a wonderful programme and especially the way you cherish the environment and manage to convey that message across all platforms. It was wonderful meeting the different members of the team along the way and learning more about your creative vision.
The process from advertising the event to choosing the Top 5 was incredibly engaging.
You communicated exceptionally with children, parents and outsiders in such a way that everyone felt part of the project. The organization from the beginning was clear and yet challenging at the same time. We loved the way you timed the steps; it even seemed that you knew which important exams were being written and when.
Getting sponsors is no easy task; we are aware that it takes hours behind the scenes. A very special thank you to the persons behind the sponsors and, of course, the sponsors themselves. Economic times are difficult, so to come through for these young minds is so appreciated and needed, especially considering their past difficult academic years.
In October, you took a young child needing to complete matric as quickly as possible and returned in January a young man filled with a burning desire to change the world. (Educators take 12 years to attempt to get this right).
It is truly difficult to comprehend the impact that this project has had on our family AND, IN TURN, HOPEFULLY ON THOSE AROUND US.
“Every person passing through this life will unknowingly leave something and take something away. Most of this something cannot be seen, heard or numbered, but nothing counts without it. Without realising it, we fill important places in each other’s lives”.
Much appreciation.
by 