STEM vital in equipping learners with knowledge

There is need to equip learners with knowledge and values that guarantee economic growth and increase opportunities for employment creation, a senior government official has said.

By Abel Chipanera

Officiating at the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) prize handover ceremony held recently in Chinhoyi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development, Dr Machivenyika Mapuranga said STEM plays a central role in capacitating pupils with knowledge.

He said that it was in fulfillment of President Mugabe’s vision that the ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education launched the STEM initiative in January.

“This initiative sought to encourage students  who took the O’ level examinations last year especially those who  obtained grade C or better in Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry to take  a combination STEM subjects.

“Against this backdrop it is evident that the rolling out of 2016 STEM initiative prepares O’ level graduates for entry into university education.

“Government has established the prize giving as  as an incentive for the uptake of STEM subjects by students,” he said.

The permanent secretary added that government  will continue to  support STEM students in their study career paths.

The   STEM initiative was well received across the country with a total enrollment of 5132 students, exceeding  the initial target of 2500 .

Dr Mapuranga said that  learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is a critical component in the economic development of a country.

Speaking at the same event, Chinhoyi University of Technology’ vice chancellor, Professor David Simbi challenged the students to take the students to take the STEM initiative seriously

“… there are two ways success or fail, would you like to be remembered for failing or would you like to be remembered for being successful,” said Professor Simbi.

The prize giving ceremony saw 21 students walking away with prizes that include laptops and  I-pads. Chinhoyi High bstudent, Lesley Makotsi won a trip to Silicon Valley in California, USA.