Help Manjula raise money

When I was a kid, one the teachers at my primary school in Nigeria started teaching us about motors. My entire class would look on in confusion at chalk-dawn jumbles of lines and circles on the board. We didn't understand how a motor worked, or why we should care. Worse, we were bored out of our minds.

After the class, I complained to my dad about the lesson, worried that I may fail the class. He had an idea. "Let's build one at home," he said. We put together this little contraption with batteries, tape, magnets and wires. Once we got it working, I remember seeing the little circle move. What a miracle that was! I got it. I totally totally got it. I soon became the go-to person in class when anyone wanted a quick lesson on motors.

When I reflect on what started my love of science, I think of that moment.

That love of technology and science has opened so many doors for me.

As a refugee to Canada, I come from humble beginnings. A career in technology, and then technology journalism, has meant meaningful employment and paid bills.

I am fundraising for Scientists in School because I want others, including young people in disadvantaged situations and communities, to have the same opportunities in life.

Scientists in School engages young people in real-world experiences that spark curiosity and nurture their inquisitive minds, to discover the fascinating and fun side of science, technology, engineering, math and the environment. Through their work, they've inspired over 10 million young scientists in Canada.

I am running to support Scientists in School so they can continue doing this work. Now more than ever, we need Canadians to be science-savvy and science-ready to wrestle with the big dilemmas and opportunities we face through this pandemic and over the next few decades.