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On the 22nd of March 2025, the serene mining town of Zvishavane was abuzz with the excitement of young, curious minds and innovative ideas. The STEM Quest Robotics Challenge, held at Errymaple International School, proved to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together over 30 teams from various parts of Zimbabwe to demonstrate their creative and technological prowess. The event was running under the theme REACH (Robotics for Every Child). This event marked a new chapter in the integration of technology into education and was a shining example of the transformative power of robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
The challenge was the result of a powerful partnership spearheaded by the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe, alongside STEM Quest Labs Zimbabwe and Qurious Minds, a leading Indian company renowned for its expertise in robotics. Their involvement followed the November 2024 Global Goa Business Summit and Expo, held in Goa, India, where Dr. Kudzanai Vere, CEO of the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe, represented the nation. This connection paved the way for the Indian team’s visit to Zimbabwe and solidified the collaboration aimed at advancing robotics education in the country.
A Showcase of Innovation and Creativity
The event was packed with exciting robotics competitions that showcased the immense talent of Zimbabwean learners. Among the schools in attendance, the Solid Rock Group of Schools from Domboshava made a significant impression, sending 200 students to participate and receive training in robotics. Additionally, 14 students from the Young Engineers program had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of robotics and engage in practical, hands-on activities. The competition not only tested the students’ technical abilities but also their creativity, problem-solving skills, and capacity for teamwork.
More than just a celebration of youthful talent, the STEM Quest Robotics Challenge made a concerted effort to ensure the sustainability of its impact. In a move that underscores the program’s long-term vision, 24 trainers were equipped with advanced skills in robotics. These trainers will now play a key role in continuing the work initiated by the Indian team, ensuring that the knowledge and skills imparted during the program will extend far beyond this single event.
Focus on Rural Schools and Honoring Chief Masunda
In a significant development, the program also aims to bridge the urban-rural education divide. Dr. Kudzanai Vere highlighted the importance of extending robotics training to rural schools, ensuring that students in these areas also have access to this transformative initiative. He expressed gratitude to Chief Masunda, who graced the occasion, for his support and encouragement of this mission. Dr. Vere reiterated the program’s commitment to including rural schools as part of the nationwide rollout, emphasizing that education in innovation and technology should leave no student behind, regardless of their location.
Aligning with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 and Heritage-Based Curriculum
The initiative is firmly rooted in Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy and the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which emphasize the importance of innovation, industrialization, and commercialization in education. These frameworks aim to create a dynamic link between classroom learning and the country’s economic needs, fostering a generation of learners who can transition seamlessly from academia into entrepreneurial and industrial roles.
During the event, Dr. Kudzanai Vere, the CEO of the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe, delivered an inspiring speech that captured the essence of Education 5.0. He challenged schools to go beyond merely creating prototypes in their STEM labs. Instead, he called for the commercialization of student innovations, urging schools to establish companies that could manufacture and market the products their students develop. Dr. Vere emphasized that the country can only truly benefit from the innovative projects emerging from its classrooms if these ideas are taken to the next level and translated into economically viable solutions.
This challenge was exemplified by one innovative student project presented during the event a traffic light solution that could potentially transform urban and rural infrastructure. Dr. Vere used this example to urge the Zvishavane Council Chairman to invest in and adopt these solutions for the town, demonstrating the practical applications of STEM education and its potential to address local challenges.
The Role of Qurious Minds
The program’s success was amplified by the involvement of Qurious Minds, whose team of experts from India played a pivotal role in training both students and trainers. Their week-long mission in Zimbabwe, which concluded on the 23rd of March 2025, highlighted the value of international collaboration in advancing education. The team not only brought their technical expertise but also introduced new teaching methodologies and tools that have significantly enriched the program.
This collaboration underscores the importance of a global outlook in STEM education. By bridging continents, the program has exposed Zimbabwean students and educators to international best practices, enhancing their competitiveness on a global stage. The insights and techniques shared by the Qurious Minds team are poised to have a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s educational landscape.
Building a Sustainable Future
One of the most exciting aspects of the STEM Quest Robotics Challenge is its scalability. The program is set to expand into 10 other provinces across Zimbabwe, with plans to collaborate further with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. This nationwide rollout will ensure that the benefits of robotics training are accessible to students and educators across the country, creating a ripple effect of innovation and technological advancement.
The training of 24 local trainers is a critical component of this sustainability plan. These trainers, now equipped with advanced robotics skills, will act as a catalyst for further education and training, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s progress in STEM does not rely solely on external expertise. By building local capacity, the program is laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation.
From Prototypes to Profit: Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
A key takeaway from the event was the call to action for Zimbabwe’s education sector to embrace entrepreneurship. Dr. Vere’s challenge to schools to commercialize their innovations is a visionary step toward achieving this goal. By encouraging schools to register companies capable of manufacturing and marketing student-developed products, the initiative aims to transform education into a driver of economic growth.
This shift has the potential to position Zimbabwe as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in STEM-related fields. Schools that take up this challenge could not only enhance their students’ learning experiences but also contribute tangible solutions to pressing national and global issues.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The STEM Quest Robotics Challenge was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of possibility and potential. For the students who participated, it was an opportunity to see their ideas come to life, to work collaboratively with peers and mentors, and to realize that they are capable of shaping the future. For the educators and trainers involved, it was a chance to inspire and be inspired, to learn and teach, and to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Zimbabwe.
As the program prepares to expand across the country, its impact is set to grow exponentially. By fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, the STEM Quest Robotics Challenge is not just preparing students for the future—it is empowering them to create it. With the combined efforts of local and international partners, Zimbabwe is taking bold steps toward a future where education, innovation, and economic development go hand in hand.
Indeed, the STEM Quest Robotics Challenge stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, proving that with the right vision and commitment, education can transform lives and societies alike. By connecting the lessons of the Global Goa Business Summit to the opportunities within Zimbabwe, the program is setting a powerful example of how global collaboration can drive local transformation.
