WiSci inspires girls to take up careers in science, tech fields

WINDHOEK, 3 JULY – The Women in Science (WiSci) STEAM camp ended on a high point on Thursday, June 28 whenIntel Corporation sent 100 ecstatic high school girls home with their own tablet to help them on their
road to becoming future scientists, engineers, artists, and mathematicians.

“This camp was just a beginning. As you return home, I encourage you to keep the spirit of WiSci going. Be an ambassador for all that WiSci stands for: intellectual curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and support for young women interested in STEAM fields,” said U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson, during the
closing ceremony at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

NUST played host to the two week long camp from June 17-29 where about 30 representatives from
Google, Intel, and NASA engaged with girls from Ethiopia, Kenya, Swaziland (eSwatini), the United
States, and Namibia. Namibia was represented by 36 girls from 11 different regions. The aim of the
camp was to encourage girls to take up careers in the science, technology, engineering, arts and
design, and mathematics (STEAM) fields while developing their leadership abilities at the same time.

The camp was fully funded by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. State Department selected Namibia to host the fourth annual WiSci camp following a
competitive selection process between several other African countries. The previous camps were held
in Rwanda, Peru, and Malawi. “Our fourth WiSci is in the books, and I think this may have been our
best one yet! You are now WiSci alumni, part of a group of 417 young women who have passed
through the WiSci ‘halls,’ now equipped with the opportunity to spread your STEAM and leadership
skills,” said Thomas Debass, Acting Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S.
Department of State, to the girls at the closing ceremony.

The Deputy-Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr. Becky Ndjoze-Ojo lauded
NUST for successfully hosting the event while reading a keynote address on behalf of the minister,
Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi.

“This camp was a resounding success and I am glad that NUST carried Namibia’s flag high. Following a career in a STEAM field is not always the easiest option, but you have been given a very unique opportunity through this impactful and life-changing event.”

Dr. Kandjii-Murangi emphasized that trends like artificial intelligence and machine learning are looming
on the horizon for Africa’s youth and that innovative camps like this will help prepare fellow Africans
to deal with future job demands.

Almost 100 girls from Ethiopia, Kenya, Swaziland (eSwatini), the United States and Namibia took
part in the Women in Science (WiSci) Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design
and Mathematics (STEAM) camp hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology. – NDN Staffer