The Zimbabwean government has pledged to continue celebrating the achievements of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, with a focus on creating a conducive environment for increased female enrollment in these disciplines. This commitment comes in light of the recent success of a robotics team representing Zimbabwe at the First Tech robotics challenge in Milan, Italy, from March 6th to 12th.
The team, comprised of nine boys and eight girls from Tynwald High School and Milestone College of Rusape, clinched a top award at the international event, bringing pride to the nation. Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, expressed joy over the girls’ exceptional performance in STEM fields, traditionally dominated by males.
Dr. Mavetera highlighted the significance of girls embracing coding and robotics, emphasizing the government’s commitment to integrate robotics into the education curriculum. The goal is to encourage more learners to participate in this discipline, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
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Upon their return to Zimbabwe, the team was welcomed with cheers at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport. Despite facing challenges and time constraints, the Zimbabwean team demonstrated resilience and determination, emerging as one of the top teams in the competition.
Team coach and robotics mentor, Mr. Charles Matanga, commended Milestone and Tynwald for their creativity, technical skills, and teamwork. He emphasized the team’s embodiment of Gracious Professionalism and Collaboration throughout the event, earning them the Judges’ Choice Award for their outstanding contributions and creativity.
Laura Nyambodza, a form four student at Tynwald, expressed optimism about the future of robotics in Zimbabwe, highlighting its potential to place the country on the global economic map. She emphasized the opportunities for international scholarships and the role of robotics in fostering problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, ultimately contributing to the nation’s socioeconomic development and the realization of Vision 2030Home – ZiMetro News
