Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
IN an era where science, technology and innovation are redefining how societies solve everyday problems, a group of young girls from Hamilton High School in Bulawayo is proving that age is no barrier to creativity and invention.
As more Zimbabweans and corporates embrace the Zimbabwean Gold Currency (ZWG) and learn more about its everyday value, four innovative members of Hamilton High School’s robotics club have developed a digital educational game designed to make understanding the currency easier, more engaging, and enjoyable.
What initially started as a simple discussion among the team members eventually evolved into a project that inspired and challenged them to delve deeper.
Lower Six student Carol Chinomwe and her teammates, Ann Moyo, a Form Three learner, Juanta Gono, who is in Form Two and Andile Ncube, who is also in Form Two, are the champions of the new technology solution.
The educational game introduces users to different concepts around ZiG through interactive tasks, quizzes and problem-solving challenges while entertaining users at the same time.
The pupils say they are inspired by the desire to transform learning into an exciting experience by applying elements of digital technology and gamification.
Through educational prompts and interactive stages, users are introduced to practical information about the currency and how it is used in daily transactions.
The girls’ initiative complements national efforts by presenting an alternative, youth-driven approach to education through technology.
Rather than relying solely on conventional methods of communication, the pupils are using digital innovation to make financial education more accessible and relatable, particularly to younger generations.
The project also demonstrates how young learners are increasingly applying principles from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to create practical solutions to real-life situations.
Their work highlights the growing role of girls in technological innovation and software development.
Speaking on the sidelines of a recent Girls in ICT Indaba in Bulawayo, Chinomwe said the idea came after the team noticed that many people, including fellow pupils, still had questions and uncertainty surrounding aspects of the ZiG currency.
“We realised that many people were still trying to understand ZiG and how it works. Even among ourselves and our friends, there were a lot of discussions and questions,” she said.
“That is when we thought learning should not always be difficult or feel like a lecture. People enjoy games, and we wanted to create something educational that people can interact with and enjoy.”
The girls have expressed extreme excitement about developing the application and seeing their idea gradually come to life.
“We are very excited about this application because we never imagined that our idea would become something real. Every stage of development felt exciting because we could see our vision taking shape,” she said. “Watching something move from just an idea into an actual application made us proud and motivated us to keep improving it.
“In the robotics club, we are taught that every problem has a process and a solution. Developing the game involved experimentation, testing and observation. We had to analyse different ideas and evaluate how users would interact with the application.”
The young innovators said the project introduced them to concepts linked to algorithms, computational thinking and systems engineering.
Chinomwe said the team applied principles of logic and systems design, ensuring that different features of the application worked together efficiently.
“Through repeated testing and refinement, they adjusted different elements of the game to improve user experience and educational value,” she said.
“The process mirrored aspects of the scientific method involving observation, analysis, experimentation and improvement.
“Science and technology involve a lot of teamwork. We all contributed different ideas and supported one another. There were times when things did not work as we expected, but instead of giving up, we kept trying until we found solutions,” said Chinomwe.
Ann Moyo said the project had transformed how she viewed technology and innovation.
“Before joining the robotics club, I thought technology was mainly about computers and machines. Now I understand that it is also about solving everyday problems and helping people,” she said.
Juanta Gono said she was thrilled to participate in a project capable of helping people enjoyably understand financial concepts.
“It feels exciting knowing that something we created can help others learn. We are happy that we managed to combine education and entertainment,” she said.
Andile Ncube said being part of the initiative had been both exciting and educational.
