In a proposition to inculcate a spirit of curiosity in the STEM-field, equip young girls with the tools and skills that will help them build a successful career focused on STEM, the University in partnership with Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Trust this morning launched yet another cohort of GEMS.
Giving welcome remarks the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Professor Elisha Shemang noted that the program is specifically targeting high school girls from Shakawe Senior Secondary School, Ghanzi Senior Secondary School, Maun Senior Secondary School, Mahupu Unified Secondary School, Tsabong Unified Secondary School and Matsha Community College who have a high aptitude in mathematics and science.
“The GEMS have been selected exclusively based on merit. They competed with their peers in an essay-writing competition about the benefits of orbiting satellites for developing nations such as Botswana which want to transform to a knowledge-based economy”, he cited.
GEMS mentorship programme aims to:
- discuss issues of equity and the representation of women in careers focused on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
- find solutions to some of the problems that affect our girls’ ability to be attracted to and retained in careers STEM-focused careers.