Young Engineers Uganda Wins STEM Trophy at Pan-African Competition

• Nov 18, 2024

A team of 15 young innovators from Young Engineers Uganda has triumphed at the second Young Engineers Pan-African STEM Competition, held on Saturday, November 16, at Aga Khan Primary School in Tanzania. Competing against teams from Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda emerged as the overall winner, showcasing an impressive project envisioning a Smart City of Kampala.

The event brought together nearly 200 children aged 6-14, all part of the Young Engineers STEM Education Programme. This year’s theme, “Design Sustainable Cities with Integrated Transportation Systems to Solve Urbanization Challenges,” encouraged participants to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) principles to address real-world issues.

Hosted for the first time in Tanzania, the competition was organized by Young Engineers Tanzania, led by franchisee Ms. Benazir Kurji, in partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Over 30 schools, both national and international, participated in categories like ‘Best Teamwork,’ ‘Most Innovative,’ and ‘Most Creative.’

Using Young Engineers Master Builders Kits, which include over 300 motorized LEGO pieces, the children created projects such as smart cities, modern bridges, vehicles, and wind-powered electricity generators. These kits enabled students to integrate engineering, mechanics, physics, and mathematics into their designs.

Ms. Kurji highlighted the competition’s importance in fostering critical thinking and collaboration among young minds. “The Pan African STEM Competition provides a platform for children to innovate, share ideas, and prepare for careers in a fast-changing technological landscape,” she said.

The Head of Aga Khan Primary School, Ms. Brandin’s Duwe, emphasized the event’s role in addressing societal challenges. “These students are designing solutions to tackle issues like traffic congestion and infrastructure development, aligning with global development goals,” she remarked.

Young Engineers Uganda CEO, Ms. Maureen Karamagi, praised the team’s determination. “These children have made us, their parents, and Uganda proud. Despite tough competition, they showed resilience throughout,” she stated.

Founded in Uganda in 2015 by journalist and entrepreneur Arinaitwe Rugyendo, the Young Engineers programme has become a global initiative operating in over 70 countries. Recognized by Harvard University and the European Union Commission for its innovative approach, the programme continues to equip children with essential skills like creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

The competition, now in its second year, follows a successful debut in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023, and serves as a beacon for nurturing Africa’s next generation of STEM leaders.