SHELMA SIBANDA
In a bid to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among young children, the Sibo the Engineer project has been making significant strides in empowering girls and bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.
With its innovative initiatives and collaborations, the project aims to cultivate a new generation of engineers and problem solvers who will contribute to the sustainable development and innovation of Zimbabwe.
STEMexplorerz Communications Officer, Patuma Silamu said “Our mission is to catch them young. We hope to build a community where women are empowered, as the saying goes, educate a woman, educate a nation.”
Sibo the Engineer, a project co-founded by Michelle Maphosa and Wadzanayi Kimberley Bwanya, focuses on empowering young children aged 8-12 to love STEM. The project’s mission is to “catch them young” and cultivate a passion for STEM among girls, who have traditionally been underrepresented in these fields.
Through a range of engaging initiatives, Sibo the Engineer aims to bridge the gender gap and promote cultural inclusion. One of their key programs is the Sibo the Engineer animation, which uses fun and age-appropriate content to teach children about engineering. The project also provides STEM toys and organises virtual and physical tours to sites mentioned in the Sibo the Engineer books. These tours not only introduce children to the world of STEM but also promote gender equality and bridge cultural gaps by incorporating local languages into the characters’ names.
The impact of Sibo the Engineer has been recognized through the Alumni TIES Grant, which acknowledges the project’s efforts in empowering women in STEM.
Silamu expressed excitement about the recognition, “Thanks to the Alumni TIES Grant, we will be taking 120 little engineers, with 60% of them being girls, to Criterion Water Works. This experience will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn about water treatment processes and further ignite their interest in STEM.”
The upcoming adventure to the water treatment plant in Bulawayo aligns perfectly with the project’s focus on sustainable development. By exposing children to the importance of clean water and the processes involved in delivering it to their homes, Sibo the Engineer promotes awareness and innovation in the field of water treatment.
Incorporating innovative approaches and technologies is a cornerstone of the project. The Sibo the Engineer animation, STEM toys, and site visits are just a few examples of how the project engages young engineers and inspires their interest in STEM. By making learning enjoyable and relatable, these approaches contribute to sustainable development by ensuring that children develop a strong foundation and passion for STEM from an early age.
Education plays a vital role in fostering sustainable development and encouraging innovation in STEM fields. Sibo the Engineer addresses this by involving children and women in STEM fields at a tender age.
Collaboration with various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and supporters, is essential for driving sustainable development and innovation in STEM. Sibo the Engineer actively engages these stakeholders through partnerships with organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, US State Department, Bulawayo City Council, and Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. These collaborations enable the project to reach a wider audience and create a lasting impact on the community.
Looking ahead, Sibo the Engineer has ambitious plans for sustainable development and innovation. As Silamu stated, “The future is bright, and from here, we can only rise.” The project aims to expand its reach, establish more partnerships, and secure additional funding to implement STEM programs in more schools. By addressing challenges such as funding and skilled personnel, Sibo the Engineer strives to make STEM education accessible to all and foster a culture of sustainable development and innovation in Zimbabwe.
The impact of the Sibo the Engineer project is evident through positive feedback from students, city council staff members, engineering bodies, and parents. While the exact measure of impact may be intangible, the project’s success stories and testimonials reflect the joy and inspiration it brings to young minds. With six schools already participating this year, Sibo the Engineer continues to make significant strides in empowering girls in STEM and building a brighter, more inclusive future.
