Science Circus Africa’s Zimbabwe tour concluded today, with the team set to reach over 5000 students and teachers from over 100 schools in Harare and Manicaland provinces over the two-week project.
The Australian Embassy funded project aims to take practical, fun and curriculum-relevant science to schools while also training Zimbabweans to take the project forward in the longer term.
Dr Graham Walker from Science ShowOffs and the Australian National University says the response from students and teachers was overwhelming, with both the science shows for schools and the teacher workshops well received.
“The smiles on the children’s faces and enthusiasm for science were just fantastic,” said Dr Walker, “and the workshops for teachers were also a huge hit – they were amazed to discover engaging, practical science can be done with common materials.”
The Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Suzanne McCourt, said “we are proud to have supported the Science Circus tour through Zimbabwe. Having seen the show myself, I know that science and science education can not only provide a career pathway, including for women and girls, but be genuinely fun and exciting.”
Science Circus Africa partnered with the Zimbabwe Science Fair to deliver the project. The local team received intensive training, equipment and in-school experience so they have the skills and resources to continue the Science Circus in Zimbabwe in the long term.
“Training the local team was a huge highlight,” added Dr Walker. “The Zimbabwe Science Fair team are an incredibly inspiring group of young people and I look forward to seeing the Science Circus grow here and become an energetic Zimbabwean-led initiative in the future.”
“We’re excited about sharing the Science Circus with more provinces,” said Zimbabwe Science Fair President, Mr Knowledge Chukundi. “Projects like this are what we need to promote science and inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean scientists. The impact of the Science Circus Africa will go a long way in advancing STEM education in Zimbabwe.”
“We’re looking for more partners to join hands and make sure every student in the country has access to exciting science. New partnerships with companies and organisations aiming to advance STEM education and excitement in Zimbabwe are critical for our future success. Our students should understand that science is not just theory; it needs to be practical to make it enjoyable and bring it to life.”
Dr Walker, on behalf of the project and the Australian Embassy, expressed his thanks for productive collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe and to all schools involved.
Science Circus Africa has now reached six countries and over 65,000 people in southern Africa, with support from the Australian Government. The Zimbabwe project was funded by the Australian Embassy via their Direct Aid Program. The project was founded in 2013 by the Australian National University and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (Australia).
