Mitchells Plain Teen Selected To Represent South Africa At NASA Space Competition

While many teenagers dream about exploring space, Mitchells Plain learner Zayaan Abdurahman is preparing to turn that dream into reality.

The 16-year-old Grade 11 pupil from Portland has been selected to represent South Africa at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in the United States next month.

Zayaan, who attends Mondale High School, will be among a select group of South African learners travelling to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the prestigious programme.

Mitchells Plain Learner Earns Spot On Team South Africa

The Mitchells Plain learner secured her place after excelling in the South African Space Design Competition (SASDC), which challenges high school pupils to develop innovative and sustainable space settlement concepts.

The competition forms part of a global initiative aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

According to her mother, Nabeelah Abdurahman, 109 learners from nine Cape Town schools participated in the competition during the recent school holidays.

“The pupils were divided into three teams that acted as companies and were tasked with designing a sustainable settlement on the moon.

“Zayaan’s team won the competition, and from all the participants, only eight pupils were selected to represent South Africa. She was also the only pupil from Mitchells Plain chosen for the team.”

NASA Kennedy Space Center Visit Awaits Cape Town Teen

The ISSDC will take place in Orlando, Florida, from 26 July to 4 August, bringing together talented learners from around the world.

As part of the experience, participants will also have the opportunity to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, one of the world’s most renowned space exploration facilities.

Zayaan said she was overwhelmed when she learned she had been selected for the international team.

“I was extremely shocked when I found out that I was chosen to go to Florida to participate in the International Space Settlement Design Competition and tour the Kennedy Space Center. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m grateful for the chance to explore beyond my country.”

She added that one of the aspects she is looking forward to most is collaborating with learners from different countries and cultures.

Teacher’s Encouragement Helped Launch Zayaan’s Journey

Zayaan credited her Physical Sciences teacher, Erin Boonzaier, for introducing her to the competition and encouraging her to participate.

Without that encouragement, she believes she may never have discovered the opportunity.

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She said she was grateful to her teacher for helping open the door to an experience that could shape her future.

Meanwhile, her family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with additional costs linked to the trip, including visa expenses and spending money.

The campaign aims to ensure that Zayaan can make the most of the opportunity as she prepares to represent both South Africa and Mitchells Plain on the international stage.