Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
THE Midlands State University (MSU) is hosting a two-day high-level regional forum for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leadership and strategy symposium at its main campus in Gweru.
The institution’s Faculty of Education is working in collaboration with South Africa’s Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the Worcester Institute of Technology (WIT) from USA to host the Midlands STEM leadership and strategy symposium.
According to MSU Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr Annah Moyo, the high-level regional forum is designed to bring together government officials, educators, industry experts, development partners, and international universities.
She said the participants are meeting to strategise on 21st-century STEM education and strengthen digital skills development in Zimbabwe and the region through coding and robotics and develop policy frameworks that support inclusive, future-ready education systems.
“This event directly supports Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy. The focus on coding, robotics, and digital infrastructure will ensure Zimbabwe produces a generation ready to compete globally and solve local challenges through science and technology,” she said.
Dr Moyo said key objectives include crafting a roadmap for integrating coding and robotics in schools and correctional facilities, showcasing global best practices in STEM from the US, Russia, UK, and South Africa.
“We hope to build cross-sector partnerships among universities, ministries, industry, and NGOs, provide hands-on teacher training and practical exposure to STEM tools and develop exchange frameworks and capacity-building programmes for African educators,” she said.
Dr Moyo said Ministers and government officials from Zimbabwe and SADC,
Vice Chancellors and Deans from MSU, NMU, MIT, SUNY, Clark University, UNISA
Delegates from South Africa, USASTEM educators, correctional officers, and school leaders are expected to attend.
“Programme highlights include keynote addresses by Ministers, panels and public lectures on STEM policy, education innovation, and emerging technologies,” she said.
