The Forest Molecular Genetics Programme (FMG) within FABI participated in the "Take a Girl Child to Work" day on Thursday 26 May. Ms Elodie Ekoka, Mr Lazarus Takawira, Dr Steven Hussey and Ms Lorraine Mhoswa were involved in logistical planning. Six Grade 10 learners and their teacher, from Lehlabile High School in Mamelodi were hosted by the FMG Group and exposed to various aspects of forest biotechnology. The visit began with an introductory lecture on DNA and biotechnology applications by Dr Sanushka Naidoo, followed by an interactive session on "Why am I interested in Science?" driven by postgraduate students. Learners visited different work stations in FABI and completed a simple bioinformatics programming exercise (instructed by MSc student Mr Drew Behrens), prepared explants using sterile tissue culture techniques (led by Mrs Adri Veale), extracted DNA (supervised by Ms Jane Bredenkamp and Mr Donovin Coles) and resolved the products using agarose gel electrophoresis (organised by Mr Jonathan Botha).  The learners enjoyed the experience, asked insightful questions and are excited about careers in science. The outreach team has subsequently been invited to talk to the Lehlabile High School learners later this year prior to their final exams.