As part of the growth of SAWomEng, 2009 saw the launch of GirlEng. This is new chapter of SAWomEng which taps into the talent pool at grass-roots level and is aimed at encouraging high-potential maths and science secondary school students to pursue a career in engineering. GirlEng advances two of the five SAWomEng pillars, namely: Mentorship and Igniting the Engineering Flame. In 2009, GirlEng hosted 5 one-day workshops across South Africa in Gauteng, Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape. 

After a successful run of workshops in the debut year of GirlEng 2009, the vision for GirlEng 2010 is to further expand its reach to young, enthusiastic high school learners countrywide in 2010.  

Increasing the number of events in key provinces

Part of GirlEng’s expansion will include increasing the number of events in the 3 key provinces – Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal. The events will no longer be just a 1 day workshop hosting only 60 girls, but rather broken down into 3 events:

·         Information session

This will be an open session for all young enthusiastic high school students, during which the concept of GirlEng will be introduced. Presentations will be made introducing the world of engineering and where SAWomEng and GirlEng specifically fits into the bigger picture. At this event the students will be able to apply for the kick-off workshop where 60 high potential high energy students will be selected to attend.

·         Kick-off workshop

Kick-off workshops will host the 60 selected delegates and will largely be based on the workshop format from 2009. Key activities will include:  

·         Introduction to the world of engineering

·         Team building activity

·         Technical project

·         Information session (University entrance requirements etc)

·         Career guidance

·         Sponsor presentations

From the girls that attend this workshop, those who choose to pursue a career in engineering will be invited to the third event, the mentorship workshop.  

·         Mentorship workshop

Those promising delegates who have chosen to pursue engineering studies will be invited to attend. These workshops will concentrate on mentorship activities and development of the learners in preparation for tertiary level engineering study. These girls will be given assistance in applying for bursaries, guidance on starting university life and the general mentor-mentee relationship building opportunities.

Expansion across South Africa

In addition to the full set of workshops being held Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal, GirlEng will also host events in 3 additional provinces: Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape. For more details about these events, please visit the GirlEng events page.