Adventurous Grade 11 learners who yearn to explore a different corner of the globe are invited to apply for the Matrics in Antarctica (MIA) challenge scheduled for next year.
This annual venture, led by explorer Riaan Manser from Betty’s Bay, presents an extraordinary opportunity for five matriculated learners from around the nation to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica.
Also read: Five SA matrics off on ‘adventure of a lifetime’ in Antarctica
According to DistrikPos, the five successful applicants will embark from Cape Town International Airport aboard an Ultima Allusion cargo plane, touching down six and a half hours later on the colossal expanse of ice that is Antarctica.
Their time will be spent in a comprehensive exploration of the Antarctic realm, engaging in scientific experiments, environmental clean-ups and an especially thrilling endeavour: contributing to the installation of a cutting-edge Huawei I-site solar system, courtesy of ACDC Dynamics. This advanced solar system aims to establish a greener and more dependable source of power at the base camp.
Llewellyn Warrington, ACDC Dynamics’ solar category manager, expresses enthusiasm about joining the MIA initiative: ‘We are excited to form part of the MIA team and look forward to educating the students on alternative power sources that promote sustainability.’
This year’s iteration of the MIA programme extends an invitation to all South African Grade 11 learners, with submissions concluding on Saturday, 30 September.
From the pool of received entries, the selection process will identify the top 100, subsequently refine it to the top 50, and ultimately subject the leading 10 contenders to interviews by the MIA selection panel.
The unveiling of the five chosen winners is scheduled for Monday, 20 November.
Having witnessed firsthand the ecological deterioration across numerous global locales, Riaan Manser, driven by conviction, believes that the MIA initiative must yield tangible outcomes.
He emphasises, ‘MIA is on a unique mission not only to drive awareness of the effects of climate change but actually to instil a willingness by role-players to deliver concrete results. This is why it is so important to get the youth, the future leaders of tomorrow, excited about conservation, but also understand that action on their part is what will guarantee a preserved earth.’
For those with an ardour for exploration, conservation and the allure of Earth’s southernmost continent, the MIA beckons.
If this resonates with you, you can submit an application for the MIA competition by visiting www.matricsinantarctica.co.za or by sending a WhatsApp message with the text ‘MIA’ to 063 843 2493.
Also read:
SA explorer Riaan Manser taking matriculants on epic adventure to Antarctica
Picture: Matrics in Antarctica / Facebook