Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
A local organisation, Elevate Trust through its STEMFEM network programme, is breaking barriers by equipping young women with digital skills, artificial intelligence literacy and practical science training.
The grassroots initiatives are transforming rural communities into hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
ElevateTrust has introduced mobile laboratories, mentorship programmes, and hands-on workshops in Matabeleland North and Lupani with support from partners.
These efforts ensure that rural students not only learn theory but also engage in practical experimentation, an approach that strengthens memory, confidence and problem-solving capacity.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, ElevateTrust founder Ms Sicelo Dube commonly known as the STEMLady Zimbabwe emphasised that leaving no girl behind in science and innovation is central to the trust’s mission.
She said that rural communities hold untapped talent that must be nurtured through inclusive education.
“At Elevate Trust, we pride ourselves in leaving no one behind. This month of March brings joy as we celebrate women in science, innovation and technology, ensuring our girls are not left behind,” she said.
The trust’s operations manager, Mr Kesani Majoko, highlighted the importance of research and innovation as the backbone of rural development.
He said that grassroots science clubs and outreach programmes contribute directly to national goals such as Vision 2030 and NDS2.
“Research is the backbone of any economy. By encouraging children to research and innovate kumusha, we contribute immensely to the sustainability of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Majoko.
One of STEMFEM partners, Dr Primrose Kurima, emphasised the transformative power of digital literacy and AI in rural communities, saying that technology is a bridge to opportunity.
She pointed out that early pilots have already shown rural students using AI to improve agriculture and healthcare.
“By providing access to digital tools and AI knowledge, we empower rural communities to innovate and compete on equal footing with urban centers. Digital inclusion today is the foundation for innovation tomorrow,” she said.
