Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
THELMA Chinembiri and Don Mundieta may still be in school, but the two young innovators from Zvishavane are already developing practical technological solutions for the future.
The pair impressed seasoned Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teachers, robotics trainers and technology experts after showcasing a solar-powered smart robot fan capable of detecting human presence and automatically switching on to provide cooling while conserving energy.
Their innovation, the Advanced Robot Fan with IR Sensor, emerged as one of the standout projects during a recent three-day Robotics Training of Trainers workshop held in Zvishavane, where more than 40 ICT teachers from across Midlands Province underwent intensive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.
Together with fellow learner innovators Russell Gengezha and Joseph Chekenya, the young robotics enthusiasts demonstrated how Zimbabwean learners are increasingly embracing cutting-edge technologies and translating classroom knowledge into practical solutions that address everyday challenges.
The workshop comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) into national development priorities.
The training followed Zimbabwe’s gold medal success at the 2026 Zimbabwe Science Fair in Harare, with Errymaple Group of Schools hosting Indian robotics experts as part of broader initiatives to advance STEM education.
The workshop equipped ICT teachers with practical and technical competencies in robotics and artificial intelligence aimed at strengthening classroom delivery and improving digital literacy.
With a new cohort of provincial trainers being prepared, Midlands Province is positioning itself to scale up robotics education, nurture innovation among learners and align classroom practice with Zimbabwe’s heritage-based curriculum.
Director of Performance Management and Training in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ms Chipo Mandiona, emphasised the importance of equipping teachers with digital skills to drive curriculum transformation.
“The workshop was aimed at building local capacity for the nationwide rollout of robotics education under the heritage-based curriculum,” she said.
Chinembiri and Mundieta told participants that their robot fan is fitted with an infrared (IR) sensor.
“When a person comes within close range, the sensor detects their presence and sends a signal to the microcontroller.
The microcontroller then activates the direct current (DC) motor, causing the fan to blow cool air. When no one is nearby, the DC motor stops and the fan blades stop rotating. This mechanism conserves energy. The fan is powered by lithium batteries, which are recharged using a solar panel,” said Chinembiri.
Gengezha said the light-follower vehicle was a project designed to apply sensor programming skills.
“The vehicle was built using robotics construction skills. It also incorporates robotics programming through the use of a microcontroller, a Qurio Fire shield, and a light sensor. Essentially, the vehicle’s motors activate when the sensor detects light and stop when no light is present,” he said.
According to Mr Adroit Joshua Tsaura, ICT and Robotics Teacher at Errymaple, the learners applied robot programming and construction skills in a fun, hands-on learning environment.
As a result, he said, they gained practical knowledge on interfacing mechanical components, sensors, actuators and microcontrollers.
“I see our students creating products ready for the market. Learners are solving problems that we face in our society, like energy saving and automation. They are gaining real skills, not just theory,” he said.
Mr Tsaura said that within the next five years, learners would be producing market-ready engineering products using 3D printing, electronics, programming and mechanical engineering concepts.
“Nationally, I see it driving youth innovation and job creation. Our learners will build local solutions for local problems,” he said.
Mr Tsaura said gone are the days when science and technology lessons were largely theory-based with limited practical application.
“Now science is hands-on. Learners test, build, and improve. It teaches coding, problem-solving, and resilience — skills they will use for life. We are no longer just teaching learners to pass. We are teaching them to create in line with Education 5.0,” he said.
A director in the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Ms Winfilda Muroka, highlighted the cascade model as critical to scaling up robotics education across districts.
“The overall objective of the workshop is to establish a provincial pool of highly competent robotics trainers who will champion implementation through a structured district cascade model, in line with national curriculum goals and development aspirations,” she said.
Qurious Mind India lead trainer, Mr Bhikaji Gawade, said science and research should be used to directly address societal challenges.
“Research should provide solutions to society. We are no longer waiting for people to come to us to learn about science. Instead, we are taking science into communities, explaining what we do and empowering people, particularly those who may not see themselves as capable of succeeding in these fields,” he said.
