For the third consecutive year, Lenovo South Africa, in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will host the anticipated RoboGirl program, to advance the future of young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
On the 2nd of December 2024, 85 girls from 17 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, will be provided with hands-on training in coding, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
This initiative emphasizes the broader economic and social impact of these technologies, showcasing their potential to drive economic growth, enhance industries, and build a more connected and efficient society. RoboGirl ensures that learners are prepared for the future, gaining valuable skills that are aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“A critical aspect of the RoboGirl program is the integration of theoretical learning with practical application. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of robotics, IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI), and tasked with designing and developing their own IoT solutions,” said Jane Govindsamy, CSI Champion at General Lenovo South Africa. “The competition is designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, while demonstrating how these technologies can drive digital transformation, improve daily life, and address real-world challenges.”
Since its inception, RoboGirl has positively impacted hundreds of young women from underprivileged schools and seen 29 pursue their tertiary studies in STEM fields such as Medicine, Information Technology, Teaching and Business. Although the number of platforms supporting women in STEM is growing, a significant gender gap persists, underlining the need for more impactful interventions.
Dr Tlou Maggie Masenya, Head of Depart – Information Technology, at the Durban University of Technology, shared, “Our partnership with Lenovo has proven to be a highly impactful initiative, providing young women in our community with valuable resources to pursue careers in technology. Through this program, we have actively contributed to addressing South Africa’s skills shortage in critical sectors, while nurturing the next generation of innovators who are pivotal to driving digital transformation forward.”
The collaboration between Lenovo and DUT exemplifies the power of partnerships in developing sustainable solutions to pressing socioeconomic challenges, such as unemployment and limited access to education, which remain significant issues in South Africa. Through RoboGirl, both organizations play a crucial role in fostering a future workforce that is not only skilled and diverse but also prepared to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Winners of the competition will receive prizes, mentorship, and opportunities for further development, reinforcing Lenovo’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of technology pioneers.
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