Tanzanian students introduced to robotics through international engineering project

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN schoolchildren and students have been introduced to the basics of robotics and engineering in an effort to boost interest in science and technology and help address the country’s growing need for technical skills.

The career-guidance event was held at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Dar es Salaam with focus on encouraging technical creativity and helping young people consider future careers in engineering.

The activities formed part of the international Russian Engineering School project, organised by Rossotrudnichestvo, and were delivered under the title Engineer 2.0.

Organisers said the events were designed to be practical and accessible, particularly for students with no previous experience in robotics. Interactive stations allowed participants to choose different areas of engineering and take part in hands-on design and programming tasks.

By the end of the sessions, participants had learned basic techniques for working with electrical and robotic systems, gained introductory programming and design skills, and discussed current engineering challenges. The programme also focused on teamwork and project-based learning.

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One participant, a seventh-grade student Cianna Erasto, from Dar es Salaam, said the experience had changed his perception of robotics.

“At first, I thought robotics was very difficult and inaccessible. But when my team assembled our first robot and it started moving on command, I realised it was possible. Now I want to study programming more deeply — it could be my future profession.”

Project coordinators said the initiative was particularly relevant as Tanzania faces increasing demand for qualified engineers.

A representative of the project, Anna Alekseevna said:

“These events do more than introduce young people to engineering. They spark an interest in technical creativity. We have seen participants with no prior experience build working models in just one day, which is important for developing the country’s engineering potential.”