Staff Reporter

The Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zimbabwe (FAWEZ), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), and UNICEF Zimbabwe hosted a successful STEM Fair for schools in Epworth under the Transforming Adolescent Girls’ Opportunities project. The event, held last Monday, aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while also emphasizing the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The STEM Fair brought together students from various Epworth-based schools who participated in a series of exciting activities designed to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. The event provided a platform for students, particularly girls, to engage over STEM subjects in a hands-on and practical way, with the goal of sparking interest and fostering innovation.

In her remarks, Dr. Evelyn Mutasa, the Executive Director of FAWEZ, highlighted the significance of such initiatives in empowering young girls in underserved communities.

“This STEM Fair is an opportunity to ignite curiosity in young minds, especially girls, who are often underrepresented in STEM fields. Through mentorship and practical engagement, we aim to break barriers and provide these girls with the skills they need to succeed in the future.

The project has made substantial strides in bridging gender gaps in education, with particular focus on adolescent girls, who face multiple challenges in accessing quality education. By introducing them to STEM through interactive events like this fair, the partners are ensuring that these girls are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,” she added

The fair also highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, as UNICEF Zimbabwe’s Education Specialist, Ms. Mary Mwaya, emphasized.

“Mentorship and innovation are key in transforming the educational landscape in Zimbabwe. UNICEF is proud to support initiatives like this, which help create sustainable opportunities for young girls and ensure that they have the skills needed to excel in future careers,” Mwaya said.

The success of the STEM Fair demonstrates the transformative power of mentorship and innovation, providing students in Epworth with a brighter future and new opportunities to explore STEM careers.