Empowering innovators of tomorrow
Tucsin, Robotschool and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung unite to fuel STEAM dreams
A groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing future innovators of Namibia recently ended.The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Namibia – Angola (KAS) and the Tucsin University Centre for Studies, in collaboration with Robotschool, concluded this innovative nine-month program to offer fully-funded STEAM education to young students between the ages of 11 and 14.
The program began in May this year with 21 motivated students embarking on a transformative journey into the world of robotics and technology.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an interdisciplinary approach to education that equips students with a holistic skill set necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology. This unique and tailor-made program provides young Namibian minds with the chance to learn and embrace innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning while emphasising the importance of essential skills.
The hub of this initiative was the Robotschool facility in Windhoek. The students converged weekly, participating in a carefully curated curriculum to ignite their passion for technology and robotics. The program allowed the budding engineers to design and build robots, employing sensors to address real-life challenges.
Imagination running wild
The program’s other focus was to emphasise the importance of imagination, creativity, empathy, and social awareness. Furthermore, students were encouraged to develop teamwork and communication skills. These competencies empowered the participants to collaborate effectively and contribute to innovative solutions in a rapidly changing world, giving them the skills and know-how to compete locally and internationally with their peers, thereby closing the educational divide.
Throughout the course, the students received expert guidance from educators and mentors, handpicked for their expertise in robotics, technology and education.
Throughout the program, students had hands-on learning experiences and were provided with the necessary resources to broaden their horizons. Their progress was closely monitored, ensuring they acquired essential knowledge and skills as they worked through various modules tailored to their unique needs and interests.
The program's conclusion on 6 November 2023 marked the end of an enriching journey for these young engineering enthusiasts and teachers and mentors. They gained valuable insights into robotics and technology. Through collaboration and working as teams, they realised that they now had skills that could help them make a difference in the world through their innovative ideas.
Investing in education
Upon reflection, this pioneering initiative undertaken by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the Tucsin University Centre for Studies and the Robotschool, underscores the importance of investing in the education of the youth.
By providing local opportunities for young Namibians to explore the world of robotics and technology, the program equipped them with vital skills while making them realise the potential that they have within them and that nothing is out of reach on the right basis.