By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Malawi University of
Science and Technology (MUST) has concluded its 2026 Girls STEAM Camp, a
two-week programme aimed at equipping young girls with digital and science,
technology, engineering, arts and mathematics skills.
The camp ended on August 7
at MUST’s Ndata campus in Thyolo under the theme, “Girls in Digital: Smart
Digital Skills for Empowered Girls.”
Speaking at the closing
ceremony, MUST Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando described
the programme as an important platform for turning curiosity and ideas into
practical skills, prototypes and presentations.
He encouraged participants
to pursue academic and scientific excellence while maintaining self-respect,
integrity and strong values. He also urged the girls to develop clear goals,
remain focused, build networks with like-minded peers and resist negative peer
pressure.
Newly appointed STEAM
Ambassador Chrissie Moloseni challenged the participants to prepare themselves
for leadership and use science and technology to address challenges in their
communities.
The camp exposed
participants to hands-on learning through collaborative technology projects,
laboratory experiments and educational visits, including a tour of the Nkula
Hydropower Station.
For participants, the
programme provided an opportunity to build confidence and develop a stronger
interest in STEAM careers. Tryness Kazembe, one of the participants, said the
experience had strengthened her ambition to pursue engineering.
Camp Chairperson Dr
Priscilla Maliwichi described the initiative as a success with a significant
impact on the participating girls. She expressed appreciation to the university
management, facilitators and partners for their support.
The programme was supported
by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Electricity Generation
Company (EGENCO), FCB Bank, Plan International Malawi, ICT Association of
Malawi (ICTAM) and Smile Life Insurance.
