Promoting STEM Subjects for Girls in Africa

Dear Supporters,

Covid-19 has taken us all by surprise, and affected us all in some way. Big or small. But it is clear to say that science has never been as valued as it is today. And as the world is finding a re-found fascination and appreciation for science, we must make it possible for anyone to study science, regardless of gender and origin. By doing this we ensure that solutions come from varying contexts and environments as we are all affected differently.

In 2019 we partnered with NGOs in Zimbabwe which have been arranging STEM weekends and paid the tuition fee for girls who had a high academic results and a passion for STEM to study science. Thus, as Covid-19 has reached the continent, and Zimbabwe, schools have closed and resulted in our STEM project being on hold until further notice. Thus, this does not not mean that the girls who are part of the project are not being assisted. After asking the girls about their greatest need when they no longer can go to school, the lack of food due to parents recent unemployment was a key issue. To address this, packs are being prepared which include food as well as sanitary packs to meet the immediate needs of our science students. Our amazing team on the ground are currently busy securing the resources and mobilising its efforts to reach the girls which all live in the outskirts of Harare. 

Whilst the Zimbabwean program is put on hold until further notice, we are preparing to bring a similar project to South Africa. Thus, as the issues faced by girls in South Africa are slightly different, there is still a huge gender gap within the area of science thus, the need to fund the tuition fee to study at secondary level is lower. However, few girls enroll as there is less interest. An issue which needs to be resolved. To address this, the GVI Trust is currently seeking funding to start an afterschool STEM project for girls studying science in marginalised communities outside of Cape Town. Every second week, the girls will be attending a workshop which encourages further studying into the STEM field; learn what professions that fall within the field; get to visit and talk to women who are in the field whilst getting a glimpse of the innovative future which science brings.

Covid-19 is preparing us for a new normal, and there are continued warnings that similar pandemics will become more common. Therefore, the need for experts in the field continues to grow, a space which could use an increase of women to not only provide equality but to provide different experiential context and expertise as the virus has taught us that it responds differently in different environment and have different effects on women and men, both scientifically as well as socially. 

Thank you to our Donors, Fundraisers and Supporters and we hope that you will continue to follow our journey in 2020!

With Gratitude,

Africa STEM