Africa Engineering Week - students gain from interacting with leading engineers

In a remarkable display of innovation and inclusivity, the UNESCO Youth STEM Boot Camp recently took place at the prestigious Innovation Hub in Pretoria, South Africa. Organised on the sidelines of the 9th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week, this event aimed to introduce the realms of robotics, 3D printing, and programming to young minds. With an overwhelming attendance of 135 students, including over 60% girls, and the presence of 10 dedicated teachers, the boot camp proved to be a resounding success in inspiring and empowering the next generation of problem solvers.

The Youth STEM Boot Camp was made possible by the collaborative effort of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This ensured that the event had a profound impact on the participating students, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity about the possibilities that lie within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

The boot camp's primary objective was to demonstrate how technological advancements can address and solve key societal challenges in various industries. Throughout the event, students were exposed to captivating sessions that showcased the practical applications of STEM in fields such as food, energy, health, agriculture, and mining. By immersing themselves in hands-on activities, the young participants gained a deeper understanding of how robotics, 3D printing, and programming can revolutionize these and more industries and make a positive impact on society.

To inspire and motivate the students, the boot camp included speeches from notable engineers and professionals. These influential figures, including the Chief Executive Officer of ECSA, Dr Bridget Ssamula and Miss Earth Namibia, Ms. Martha Kautanevali, shared their experiences and insights into the exciting careers that await them in the future. Their words resonated with the students, igniting a passion for fields such as biomedical engineering, data engineering, and cybersecurity. The personal encounters and mentorship opportunities provided the students with a glimpse into the vast array of possibilities that lie ahead.

 

The success of the Youth STEM Boot Camp was evident in the interviews conducted with the learners. The students expressed their eagerness to explore the jobs of the future that they were exposed to during the event. Their aspirations to become civil engineers, biomedical engineers, data engineers, and cybersecurity engineers highlight the profound impact that the boot camp had on their career choices and ambitions. The event not only introduced them to these emerging fields but also equipped them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their dreams. 

The UNESCO Youth STEM Boot Camp held at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria, South Africa, was a remarkable success. By providing an inclusive and stimulating environment, it empowered young minds, particularly girls, to explore the vast opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The support from UNESCO, ECSA, and IEEE, along with motivating speeches from industry professionals, further amplified the impact of the boot camp. As these aspiring students venture into the world, they carry with them the potential to address and solve societal challenges, making a profound impact on the future of our industries and communities.