[July 18, 2011] Multichoice, Eutelsat Launch Awards to Promote Science And Technology Tweet Kampala, Jul 18, 2011 (East African Business Week/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Digital services made available by satellite to all four corners of the world are recognised as powerful engines driving economic and social progress. To continue to propel forward the expansion and democratisation of the Information Society, the development of technology and science skills among students is a key factor. Africa is no exception to this - much like other regions of the world, stimulating young minds is core to creating relevant solutions for the development of the African continent. With a shared vision that education is a key driver for the development of Africa's social and economic landscape, MultiChoice Africa and Eutelsat Communications, supported by Mindset Learn, have initiated a pan-African student competition called the "DStv Eutelsat Star Awards". The aim of the Awards is to inspire innovative thinking among secondary and high-school students, to create awareness on how science and technology can be applied to everyday life, and to show the many ways that satellites already impact on the development of the African continent. The awards take the form of a competition open to 14-19 year-old students in 42 countries. Students are invited to write an essay or design a poster on satellite technology and how it can assist further development of their communities, country or the African continent. Country winners vying for the overall prize will compete at an international level, adjudicated on September 12, 2011 by an international judging panel. The overall winner will be invited to witness a live rocket launch and to Eutelsat's headquarters in France, Merit award winners will win a trip to Johannesburg to see DStv's technical facilities and television studios at the MultiChoice Africa offices. They will also tour the Mindset education broadcasting facilities. A resource booklet for teachers and students has been developed for the competition and can be accessed on www.dstvstarawards.com or from MultiChoice Offices. Commenting on the new initiative, the President of MultiChoice Africa, Collins Khumalo said "We are very excited about this new initiative. Investing in the development of our continent is always a priority for us. Investing in young people and education is an ideal we take very seriously. Mr Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, said: "working with MultiChoice and Mindset Learn on this new Award is a way for Eutelsat to show our commitment to encouraging African students to engage with new technologies. Over half a century since Arthur C. Clarke developed his vision for using satellites to connect the world, space still represents a field of adventure which can stimulate the minds of students. We are honoured to launch this joint initiative with MultiChoice and, together with our longstanding partner, to demonstrate our commitment to developing digital services in Africa." [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]