IN a bid to support the government’s push to encourage more girls to study science, the Apps and Girls organisation has launched a training programme aimed at empowering female secondary school students in science and technology.

The initiative, which targets students from nine secondary schools, focuses on providing practical skills that can help girls excel in technology and innovation. The training includes hands-on experience in creating robots, understanding artificial intelligence and developing entrepreneurial skills.

Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Carolyne Ekyarisiima, Director of Apps and Girls, explained that the programme was designed to address the gender gap in scientific subjects and equip girls with the skills necessary for self-employment and future careers in technology.

“We aim to close the gender gap by offering training to girls starting from secondary school and extending to those outside the formal education system. We teach them vital skills such as robotics, AI and entrepreneurship,” Ekyarisiima said.

She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Tanzanian government’s efforts to encourage more girls to take up science and technology. “At the end of each program, we host competitions where students can showcase their technological innovations. Top performers are rewarded to inspire and motivate other girls to pursue science subjects,” Ekyarisiima said.