By Patricia Banda
Over 2,000 learners in schools across Zambia are benefiting from digital skills and innovation programmes offered by the Zambia National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics –STEM- Foundation.
Foundation Board Chairperson CHRISTOPHER MUNDIA states that the goal of STEM education is to equip both girls and boys with skills needed to meet the demands of modern industries.
Mr. MUNDIA, who also serves as Special Assistant to the President for Legal Affairs, notes that technology is rapidly transforming industries, with Artificial Intelligence reshaping job roles.
However, he points out the need for greater efforts to ensure that learners in rural areas are also included in the digital transformation being driven by the Government.
Mr. MUNDIA was speaking in Lusaka during the Zambia National STEM Foundation fundraising gala dinner, which aimed to raise funds for the completion of an innovation hub currently 60% finished.
Technology and Science Minister FELIX MUTATI assured the Foundation of continued Government support, announcing a partnership with Huawei to fully equip the hub.
Mr. MUTATI also revealed that the hub would be provided with free internet connectivity through the Zambia Research and Education Network -ZAMREN.
Additionally, he disclosed that ten pupils would travel to Geneva in July this year to participate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics programmes.
Meanwhile, Zambia National STEM Foundation Founder MICHELO MOONGA shared that the organisation has worked closely with Board Chairperson CHRISTOPHER MUNDIA since 2018 to develop teacher-focused programmes.
At the same event, two programme beneficiaries, ROSARIA KAPYA and REBECCA KAIRA, shared their experiences of representing Zambia at innovation events in Panama, the United States, and Ghana.
EVELYN MWALE from Rufunsa Technical School also thanked the Foundation for improving internet access and providing electrical equipment to her school.
