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Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
MORE than 5 000 young people have received training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces as the country pushes to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) into national development goals.
The Women’s University in Africa, in partnership with Elevate Trust, recently hosted a Women in Stem convention in Bulawayo, celebrating innovation and creativity, among students.
The event brought together Stem companies, high school and university students. Girls in Stem Trust executive director, Dr Victoria Nxumalo, said that they have not only managed to impact 5 000 young people but also managed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of ICT to promote robotics and AI nationwide. “We have a programme called the World Robot Olympiad, running for three years now. We have taken over 30 young people to international stages in Turkey, Singapore, and this year, we will be heading to Puerto Rico,” she said.
Dr Nxumalo highlighted their efforts to demystify AI for women through hosting monthly workshops and radio shows on Khulumani FM and Sky’s Metro.
“We have weekend classes at our classes here in Bulawayo hence we are also working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, targeting teacher training workshops that ensure our teachers are also not afraid to venture into Al,” she said.
“AI is not just for scientists, it is for everyone. A business owner can use AI to streamline processes, like accounting.”
Dr Nxumalo shared how their training is deliberate in preparing youths for global opportunities as she shared how most of their training sessions are done by well knowledgeable scientists, who already have experiences in the field and also expertise on existing entrepreneurship opportunities.”
Women’s University in Africa, Bulawayo Campus co-ordinator, Mr Tinos Mabeza, emphasised their focus on Education 5.0, pushing for research, innovation and industrialisation.
“Research should bring solutions to society,” he said, highlighting how they have taken it upon themselves as an institution to go into communities, facilitating young people already involved in Al and helping them with marketing platforms for their products.
“We have made some progress in our innovations, we go into rural areas and see the ideas that can come from such opportunities, we also do scientific research on Amacimbi production but also do other projects such as fish, mushrooms,” he said.
“We are no longer just waiting for people to apply in order for them to learn about science, we now go into communities, explain what we do, building them up, especially those who do not see themselves as deserving to qualify.
“We look at those who also have ordinary level qualifications and look for ways in which we can best assist them,” he added.
Learners from Nkulumane and Northlea High schools also shared how the event inspired them to pursue Stem careers and have confidence in their studies.
Nkulumane High School pupil, Polite Bhakera said she always wanted to be a globally recognised scientist but always thought it was impossible for a girl child.
“I have learnt what stops it from achieving the things that we want is lack of confidence, this conference has taught me to not hold back on things l have always wanted to achieve,” she said.
Northlea High School learner Zandile Nombembe also shared how she now plans to apply her newfound knowledge to animal nutrition.
Online Reporter