The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with Africa Teen Geeks, proudly launched the 10,000 Girls in STEM Winter Camps on 18 June 2024. This ground-breaking initiative aims to empower young girls across South Africa by providing them with essential skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The 10,000 Girls in STEM Project is a strategic effort to address the gender imbalance in STEM fields by nurturing the talent and potential of young girls. The project will be implemented nationally, targeting 10,000 girls who have shown aptitude and interest in STEM subjects. Commencing in the winter of 2024, the first phase will see girls in Grade 9 participating in dedicated STEM camps, which will provide an immersive learning experience, enhancing their skills in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and English. The participants were selected based on their performance, achieving at least 45% in Mathematics during Term 1 of 2024.
The girls were chosen based on academic performance and allocated quotas per province. Camps will be held in hostel facilities, utilising existing camp locations. The camps are staffed by experienced teachers specializing in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and English. Provincial coordinators will ensure smooth logistics, including transportation and venue management.
Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, emphasised the importance of the initiative in the National Educational Strategy: “The 10,000 Girls in STEM Project is a critical component of our broader efforts to improve educational outcomes and prepare our students for global competitiveness. This project will inspire and empower our young girls, fostering a generation of future leaders in STEM”.
Africa Teen Geeks is a non-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring and educating young people in Africa through computer science and STEM. By providing access to resources, training and mentorship, Africa Teen Geeks aims to bridge the gap in STEM education and create opportunities for the youth of Africa. Ms Lindiwe Matlali, the founder and CEO of Africa Teen Geeks, expressed her excitement about the initiative: “We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Basic Education to launch the 10,000 Girls in STEM Winter Camps. This programme is a significant step towards gender equality in STEM fields. By providing young girls with the resources and opportunities to excel, we are not only shaping their futures but also contributing to the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce in South Africa”.
The Winter Camps are just the beginning. Further phases, including Spring Camps, will be announced in due course, expanding the reach and impact of this transformative programme.