The CuriosITy initiative began in May 2016, when four Grade 11 girls from Brescia House School started a project under the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program to impact their community. Noticing that few girls pursue IT as a career or matric subject, they decided to host a special event for girls interested in IT.
CuriosITy is for Grade 11 girls studying Computer Applications Technology or Information Technology to share their IT passions with peers and professionals.
Grade 11 girls from various Gauteng schools seek guidance on succeeding as women in the technology industry. They need help with tertiary education choices, building on their IT school subjects. What does it take to land a job in this competitive field? Is IT just coding, or a complex profession with many facets?
The CuriosITy event has been a resounding success, with former participants returning as career women to inspire the next generation. Hosted by Brescia House School grade 11 CAT and IT girls, this non-profit relies on generous sponsorships from individuals and corporates.
Generous sponsorship from corporates and contributions from attending IT professionals make these events possible.
No events at the moment
Past CurisITy Events
2024
On Saturday, 7 September 2024, Brescia House School hosted a relaxed picnic-style CuriosITy event for over 280 Grade 11 CAT and IT girls from more than 50 Gauteng schools. The informal setting encouraged meaningful conversations between students, educators, and tech professionals, fostering connections and inspiring curiosity about careers in technology.
2022
On 19 October, 2022, 14 Grade 11 CAT and IT girls from Brescia House School hosted an elegant dinner for 140 girls, 45 teachers, and 65 professionals. During the evening, table teams played Kahoot for spot prizes. Kamohelo Motloung discussed the CAT & IT Olympiads, Nicky Visten spoke about the gaming industry, Graeme Codrington addressed the future influence of technology, and Katleho Dihaba, a past CAT student and sister of one of the hosts, shared how CAT and IT prepared her for her career.
2019
In 2019, Brescia House School offered 18 workshops for 186 girls, focusing on the latest technologies, with a special workshop for teachers. The event included a free dinner for 213 girls and their teachers from 45 schools across Gauteng and Mpumalanga. A total of 350 Grade 11 girls, their teachers, and various IT professionals attended the dinner. The evening featured a panel discussion on topics relevant to both the girls and IT professionals, with questions from the audience. The panel included Corien Vermaak (Chair), Shaun Edmeston, Tony Christodoulou, Natasha Bezuidenhout, Soso Motloung, and Karmanie Govender.
2018
In 2018, Brescia House School expanded the CuriosITy initiative to include afternoon workshops and a special dinner, welcoming 157 girls to explore technologies like Micro:bits, Robotics, Coding, and Green Screen Movie Making. That evening, 210 girls from 44 schools across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Kuruman joined IT professionals for a three-course dinner and inspiring talks by Sharon McPherson and Corien Vermaak.
2017
On Wednesday, 17 May 2017, Brescia House School hosted its second CuriosITy Dinner, welcoming 201 Grade 11 girls from 44 Gauteng schools, along with 136 IT professionals and teachers. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and inspiring talks by Ashley Veasey (Barclays Africa) and Sonja Delafosse (Microsoft), with girls rotating tables to engage with a variety of professionals. The event was generously sponsored by Microsoft South Africa and industry partners.
2016
On Wednesday, 25 May 2016, Brescia House School hosted the first CuriosITy Dinner, initiated by four Grade 10 Microsoft Student Ambassadors to encourage more girls to pursue IT. The event welcomed 130 Grade 11 girls from 36 Gauteng schools, along with 100 teachers and IT professionals. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and inspiring talks by Lori Milner and Amukelani Mombedzi, with students rotating tables to engage with a variety of industry experts.