From Makoni to USA with STEM love
IN the heart of rural Zimbabwe, amidst the rolling hills of Makoni District, 18-year-old Tinotenda Nyoni has ignited a flame of innovation with her groundbreaking project aimed at predicting and preventing veld fires.
Fuelled by her unwavering passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Nyoni has developed a revolutionary system capable of detecting and extinguishing fires before they ravage the land.
“My project also detects the start of a fire in certain mountains and areas, and automatically sends an sms via an application that I have also developed. As a result, a siren will ring at the same time, while triggering a reservoir with water to extinguish the fire,” she smiles during a recent interview.
This pioneering endeavour, not only earned her acclaim at the Zimbabwe Science Fair held last week, but it also secured her a prestigious scholarship at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the United States of America.
“On February 21 to 23, 2024, I participated in the Zimbabwe Science Fair competition and won a gold medal in my category, which was Environmental Science. My performance, not only earned me a sponsored trip to New York, but also secured me a scholarship to study at the renowned RIT,” she said.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, Nyoni’s story takes centre stage, inspiring countless young girls within her community to pursue their dreams in STEM.
Beyond her personal aspirations, Nyoni is driven by a larger goal to empower the girl child in Zimbabwe to pursue STEM subjects and equalise opportunities for girls through Science, Technology, and Innovation.
She said her dream is to return to Zimbabwe after completing her studies and invest in the field of pharmaceuticals, making a tangible difference in her community and inspiring future generations of female scientists and engineers.
She hopes that she will be celebrated in the future, but today, we celebrate her for becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration to all young girls in rural Zimbabwe after scooping the prestigious award.
A pharmaceutical engineer in the making, Nyoni will study pharmaceutical engineering at RIT next year. She is currently doing her Upper Sixth education at Milestone College in Rusape.
Her passion for Science and her dream of making significant advancements in addressing global issues like climate change and medical breakthroughs fuelled her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Nyoni’s journey from a small town in Zimbabwe to the forefront of STEM innovation serves as a beacon of inspiration to women and young girls everywhere, showcasing the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and ingenuity.
She said her remarkable journey from Rusape, to being awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious RIT, is a testament to her passion for STEM and her unwavering determination to make a difference in her community.
“I am very ambitious and will not stop until I realise my dream. My aim is to be a hero to every young woman and teenage girl in Zimbabwe and beyond. I want them to look at me, to hear my story and aspire for more. I aspire to motivate young girls in rural Zimbabwe to take up STEM subjects. If the boys can do it, then nothing stops us, despite the hurdles and challenges that we might face. I have faced a lot of challenges and continue to face more, but because of my dreams which are obviously bigger than me, I will get where I want,” said the young woman who is small in stature and has a desire to live a life bigger than herself.
Reflecting on her achievements, Nyoni emphasized the importance of continuous learning and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles faced.
She states boldly that her recent success at the Zimbabwe Science Fair further solidifies her commitment to STEM. She has represented the country internationally before.
“I am currently working towards being a better version of myself and getting the best out of me to change the girls’ lives who still have low self-esteem when it comes to STEM,” she states passionately.
Her mission is clear, she wants to empower the girl child through Science, Technology and Innovation, and to inspire others to believe in their potential.
The under representation of women in STEM fields persists globally as a complex issue influenced by societal norms and expectations. Across the globe, social pressures often steer women towards traditional gender roles, emphasizing domestic duties over academic pursuits.
According to UNICEF, the gender gap in STEM education is glaring, with only about 18 percent of girls opting for STEM majors compared to 35 percent of boys worldwide.
However, in Zimbabwe, strides have been made to address this disparity through initiatives like the Zimbabwe Science Fair that Nyoni participated in and scooped the prestigious award last month.
The platform has, according to Nyoni’s mentor and teacher, Mr Stewart Mderere, provided invaluable opportunities for girls to actively engage in STEM initiatives, showcasing their innovative ideas and talents.
“As more girls seize these opportunities and demonstrate their capabilities, the landscape of STEM in Zimbabwe is gradually shifting towards greater inclusivity and diversity,” he said.
He said Nyoni’s journey from rural Zimbabwe to a STEM scholarship in the USA exemplifies the transformative power of the Zim Science Fair.
Mr Mderere, who has been mentoring many girls in STEM subjects, echoed Nyoni’s sentiments, saying as the society continues to bridge the gender gap in male-dominated fields, it is crucial to support and encourage girls in STEM.
He said his dedication to provide access to
education, resources and mentorship for girls interested in STEM reflects a broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in these fields.
“I support girls in STEM is by providing access to education and resources. This includes opportunities for girls to participate in STEM-related programmes such as the Zimbabwe Science Fair, First Global Robotics, First Tech Robotics Challenge, workshops and classes. By exposing young girls to STEM at an early age, we are enabling them to develop a passion and interest in these fields.
“As their mentor, I always create a supportive and inclusive environment as it is also essential in fostering girls’ interest in STEM. This includes promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM-related organisations, schools and workplaces. By celebrating and showcasing the achievements of women in STEM such as Nyoni’s story, I have found that girls are inspired and motivated to pursue their own dreams and aspirations in these fields,” he said.
Commenting on Nyoni’s winning project, Mr Mderere said the project did not only capture the attention of the judges, but it also showcased her innovative spirit and commitment to solving real-world problems.
Together, Nyoni and Mr Mderere embody the spirit of empowerment and resilience, inspiring future generations to break barriers and pursue their passions fearlessly.
The latest national statistical agency ZimStat’s report notes that women are underrepresented in STEM.
It states that during the 2022 Population and Housing Census, only 22 percent were women who studied engineering, manufacturing and construction, while 32 percent studied ICTs.
“Data shows that the gender gap in access to ICTs still exists, and this keeps women from realising their full potential of ICT. Because women are under-represented in STEM education, the ripple effect is also felt in the areas of work where women are also underrepresented,” ZimStat said in a statement.
Giving her keynote address as she officially launched the International Women’s Month in Harare last Friday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa said there is need to work together to create a future where every woman and girl can dream big, pursue her aspirations, and contribute to a prosperous and just society, including the STEM field.
“Women around the world have shattered glass ceilings, broken barriers, and proven overwhelmingly that they are capable of achieving greatness in every field. Their contributions to science, society, culture, politics, and the economy are invaluable,” she said.
She said when girls and women are given equal opportunities to participate, it benefits not only them but also their families, communities, and the entire nation.
“When women are given the chance to fully contribute their skills, talents, and ideas, businesses thrive, innovation soars, and productivity increases.
‘‘We must break down the stereotypes and biases that limit their choices and opportunities,” she said.
As Nyoni prepares to embark on her journey to RIT, she leaves behind a legacy of hope and possibility, reminding us all that with determination and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
She travels to RIT with two other schoolmates, Randal Munjeri (15) and Peter Makuhunga (15) who also scooped the same award with their successful projects.