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Mbulelo Mpofu, Chronicle Reporter

ANNAHMORE Mabula was faced with many challenges and did not consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects as a gateway out of poverty. The Tsholotsho rural girl did not think of dropping out of school to get married or to work as a maid in the city to support her family financially like some of her peers, but she never thought STEM was the answer. 

The Samahuru Adventist High School pupil changed her mind when she was chosen to be among 80 students who took part in a STEM and Robotics Education Bootcamp in Bulawayo. The boot camp was organised by Nkosana Masuku’s Phenomenon Technologies, a start-up which aims at providing applied STEM and Robotics education through the Sciency App and Sciency MakerLabs.

“It (attending the holiday robotics bootcamp) has been an amazing experience. I have learnt different approaches to advancing STEM education with the use of robotics. It’s quite enlightening to learn about new innovative methods in integrating robotics in school learning areas, engaging and stimulating students with robotics in classroom-based and out-of-school activities, and new ways of using robotics as an educational tool to provide diverse learning experiences. I have learnt how a tower light works. We also learnt that it takes about 1000m/sec for the colours to change,” said Mabula.

Africa has been nicknamed a dark continent but streams of light have shone from the continent with some amazing innovations emanating from it and Mabula wants to pioneer technological advancement in Zimbabwe.

“I have learnt three important things from this STEM-oriented programme. These are collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation. The lessons we are learning are preparing us to be practical learners. We learn life-long skills which we can use in approaching any problem and by connecting them with community partners to help them further develop their solutions. 

“Another key takeaway is that experimentation and innovation are catalysts for beginning STEM programmes. Emphasis is also put on researching, planning, discussing, designing, constructing, testing, evaluating and revising. I want to be part of a new breed of learners who will change the scientific landscape in Zimbabwe,” said the Lower Six student.

Mabula challenged her peers to embrace STEM-oriented learning.

“To my fellow students, let’s embrace STEM. The world we live in is changing, and we must keep pace with it. There are a lot of opportunities when we learn STEM. The education we are getting one day will change society. STEM education offers learners a new mindset and skills valued in any profession. They allow young people to be flexible, look for patterns, find connections, and evaluate information. STEM opportunities move us to a knowledge-based economy and enhanced sustainability literacy,” said Mabula. 

Nkosana Masuku said the boot camp, which was made up of rural and urban students, was meant to bridge the gap between theory and practical lessons. 

Information Technology – Image taken from Shutterstock

“The boot camp went well with all our classes full and a diverse group of students spanning from schools like Dominican Convent to Tsholotsho and young learners from Grade 5 level. Learning is too theoretical in schools. There is no infrastructure for robotics learning in the country whilst some developed countries like China started implementing robotics in school curriculums in 2003.

“Learners need to learn how to apply what they learn into practice. For example, these Grade Sevens created a fire-sensing system considering the recent fires which have been a menace around the country. The main problem is underfunded laboratories in schools which do not have most materials for students to be hands-on in STEM-related activities. As such, we are creating kits that allow learners to be practical. We need more infrastructure for practical STEM and Sciency is stepping in to serve that need.”

Masuku has four years experience in the education sector as a science teacher. He has won several entrepreneurial awards including the 2019 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Zimbabwe and the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award. His start-up became one of the first in Zimbabwe to participate in the Global Google for start-ups accelerator. He is also a Mandela Washington Fellow 2020 Alumni.