THE young generation in Mbeya Region will be able to contribute to technological advances and thrive in the digital age after Generation Tech Space (GTS) has introduced a new programme aimed at empowering youth from all backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.

Davina Kanan, Generation Tech Space, chief executive officer says this last week when speaking about  empowering  tomorrow’s  innovators: The role of generation tech space in fostering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for economic development at the just-ended  9th National Science, Technology and Innovation Conference and Exhibition (STICE) held in Dar es Salaam.

The event was organized by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC) in collaboration with the ministry of education, science and technology and it brought together scientists, researchers and lecturers from various organizations and higher-education institutions.

GTS was established to ensure inclusivity and diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through innovation and creativity.

"As GTS, we engage in various activities to ensure that every young generation, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to take the lead in solving community problems in their localities," she says.

She says that they conduct outreach activities in primary and secondary schools, host workshops and training sessions in STEM fields, such as robotics, digital skills, seminars, science events, and hackathons, to ensure the younger generation can participate inclusively.

Additionally, they incubate them from ideation to market scale level by imparting them with skills to solve social challenges aligned with the 17 SDGs for national development and the world at large.

“Under the incubation programme, we select ideas from the incubatees and then train them on how to use those ideas to solve society problems or challenges they face in their daily lives,” she says

Additionally, they take the best ideas from the incubatees and link them with industrial partners as well as potential investors, so that after the programme, they will be able to stand alone and successfully run their companies.

Through a range of programs and initiatives, GTS seeks to bridge the gap in STEM education, equipping young people with the tools they need to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Kanan says a study by the World Bank (2018) shows that countries with higher levels of STEM proficiency tend to experience greater economic growth and development.  By excluding large segments of the population from STEM opportunities, societies are limiting their capacity for innovation and progress.

“Although she has successfully established GTS, one of the most important things we need from various stakeholders is funding. 'We are seeking funds to support our programmes and are open to partnerships to ensure STEM is accessible to everyone, no matter the background where they are coming from,” she says

So far, GTS has successfully reached underserved communities where STEM has never been heard. They have established clubs in these communities, conducted follow-ups on these clubs, and make sure that members are actively engaging in innovation and creativity activities related to STEM.

Currently, they have established 20 clubs in schools located in remote areas and have more than 200 alumni who have succeeded to enroll in STEM programmes at various universities and colleges in Tanzania.

“This has been a significant stride for our organization. Currently, we have two projects, and we are actively seeking donors to support this initiative,” says Kanan.

Also in October this year, they launched an online programme which will be freely accessible to everyone eager to learn more about technology and STEM at large.

“We want new generation to be leaders by using technology to solve problems in the respective communities,’ she says

Kanan appeals to the government and other stakeholders to increase opportunities for studying abroad and learning in developed countries especially in the field of STEM education.

‘As GTS,  we are very happy to see  the progress made so far, through our prommmes,  GTS has made a significant impact on  over 500 students by equipping them with technical skills, increasing their interest in STEM fields, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

These results are not merely anecdotal but are based on systematic, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time- bound) metrics that reflect the efficacy of GTS's approach.

Additionally GTS’s hackathons and innovation challenges have been instrumental in cultivating creativity and problem-solving skills.

By assembling diverse teams to address real-world issues in healthcare, agriculture, and education, GTS’s approach encourages collaborative innovation.

Projects created during these events have proven practical, with many progressing to further development with GTS support, highlighting the potential for real-world impact beyond initial stages.

GTS is a non-profit organization established in March 2023 with the mission of empowering young people in Tanzania through access to technology and opportunities in STEM fields.

‘We empower the next generation by providing programs and activities that equip youth with digital skills and introduce them to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics,” she says.

Method Matope, a student at Pandahili Secondary School, is one of the youth who have benefited from GTS programmes. He joined GTS's summer program and has successfully designed a low-cost irrigation system.

Through the knowledge and skills gained from GTS, he designed a low-cost irrigation system using recycled materials, aimed at addressing water scarcity issues on his family’s farm. This system not only conserves water but also reduces operating costs, supporting the family’s livelihood.

Method’s project exemplifies how GTS’s programs inspire young students to leverage technology to solve everyday challenges, fostering aspirations such as his goal to become an agricultural engineer.