Harare, Zimbabwe – 14 March 2025 – In an effort to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for adolescent girls, FAWEZI in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) with support from UNICEF officially handed over 34 mobile science laboratories to primary and secondary schools in Epworth and Hopley. The initiative, under the “Transforming Adolescent Girls Opportunities through STEM and Skills Development project,” is funded by the Canadian National Committee for UNICEF (Canadian NatCom) and seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM education. The mobile laboratories will benefit 15 primary and 19 secondary schools, equipping students especially girls with the tools they need to engage in practical science learning. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Harare Provincial Education Director Jotham Mupunza emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative on schools that lack practical science learning facilities. “Epworth and Hopley are home to ambitious young minds, yet many schools lack the facilities necessary to provide practical science education. Without hands-on learning experiences, students—especially girls—often find STEM subjects intimidating or irrelevant to their future careers,” Mupunza stated, “The mobile science laboratories we are providing today will transform the learning experience for these students. Through hands-on experiments and exposure to real-world applications of science, girls will gain the confidence and skills necessary to envision themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators,” said Mupunza The provision of mobile science laboratories aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and the Heritage-Based Curriculum, both of which advocate for increased STEM uptake and gender inclusivity in education. FAWEZI and UNICEF recognize the challenges that schools in peri-urban areas face when it comes to accessing quality STEM education. The mobile laboratories will enable students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills essential for success in STEM careers. “The provision of mobile science laboratories is a game-changer for schools in peri-urban areas where resources for practical STEM education are limited,” said Joëlle Ayité, UNICEF Chief of Education. The Transforming Adolescent Girls Opportunities through STEM and Skills Development project has already made significant strides in promoting girls’ participation in STEM. Over the past year, the project has conducted various activities, including training female STEM teachers in gender-responsive teaching methodologies, organizing STEM fairs and role modeling sessions, conducting community outreach programs, and strengthening child protection and guidance services in schools. FAWEZI Executive Director Lydia Madyirapanze reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring that all learners, particularly girls, have access to quality STEM education. “Our baseline survey highlighted a critical gap in STEM learning resources, which hindered girls’ participation in science-related fields,” Madyirapanze said. “Through the support of UNICEF, 34 schools now have mobile science laboratories, providing practical learning opportunities that will help girls stay in school, complete their education, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative also benefits boys, promoting a stronger STEM learning culture for all,” said Madyirapanze Beyond equipping schools with resources, the initiative emphasizes sustainability. FAWEZI and UNICEF are calling on the schools to take ownership of these mobile labs to ensure their long-term use and impact. As Zimbabwe moves toward achieving gender equity in STEM education, initiatives such as ensure that no girl is left behind in the pursuit of scientific excellence.