Why youths need updated skills in science, technology

TANZANIA: EQUIPPING young generation with advanced Science and Technology skills has been described as one of the proper investments that will help them to adapt well to the future demands of the world.

This is with the realisation that things are changing everyday and as a result, advancement in technology sector should early be directed in the future to transform many sectors, whose impacts will be either positive or negative.

As such, the secure path is to ensure that the current generation of young people are drilled with necessary technological skills to make them easily adapt to the future requirements.

For instance, self-driving cars or driverless cars have already been manufactured hence this innovation will in near future affect job opportunities of drivers.

Similarly, in some European restaurants, robots have been introduced to execute waitress responsibilities rendering many people jobless in the process as such, one should have a clear picture of where the world is heading to.

Imagine going to a restaurant and be served everything you want by a locomotive robot until you get satisfied…this is not just a mere dream, but happening somewhere in this world.

However, these innovations should never be seen as an obstacle but rather an opportunity for people to come up with other models of employment opportunities to people.

With this in mind, a visit to UpStudio Africa-the leading creator of innovative learning experiences in Tanzania, noted that they have come up with an engaging innovative event meant for children aged 10 to 18 years that also exposes them to many things relating to technology, science, marketing and entrepreneurship.

Dubbed: ‘Dreams to Reality: Pathways to Success’ to Inspire the Next Generation will witness up to 50 students converging in Dar es Salaam on Saturday to partake in this engaging platform set to equip them with the current trends of the world.

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Briefing the Daily News recently, UpStudio Africa founder Shama Kheraj noted that Science and technology are at the forefront of future job markets and will intersect with nearly every sector from healthcare, business management and creative industries.

“The jobs of the next 20 to 30 years will be radically different from those available today and our students need to be prepared…by expanding their horizons and becoming versatile learners, they will be better equipped to adapt to and excel in a rapidly evolving world,” she said.

Additionally, she noted that by connecting children with accomplished professionals from diverse fields, they hope to broaden their horizons and help them envision a future full of potential.

“Also, exposing them to various career paths at an early age is crucial…it helps children make informed decisions when choosing subjects in high school, selecting university courses and considering internships and career pathways.

“Understanding the interconnectivity of different sectors equips them with the versatility needed to thrive in an ever-evolving job market,” Kheraj said.

She continued: “The event will feature workshops led by esteemed professionals, allowing students to select five speakers they wish to engage with, thereby tailoring the experience to their interests.

“The inaugural Dreams to Reality event in January 2024 attracted over 60 students, who had the opportunity to learn from 10 distinguished speakers and they explored various fields ranging from aerospace engineering with Captain Brian Wamala, a pilot of Air Tanzania Company Limited to civil engineering basics with Lulu Alliy and photography with Gervaz Lushaju.”

Again, she highlighted that on the day, students will have the opportunity to select up to 5 workshops to attend, each led by an expert in a particular field.

“Upon arrival, students will register and receive their final speaker list and the sequence of workshops they will attend…we aim to create smaller group interactions by grouping students of similar ages together, ensuring that each session is both engaging and relevant.

“Students will rotate between workshops every 40 minutes, allowing them to explore a range of topics and there will be a lunch break after the first three workshops followed by two more workshops in the afternoon,” she explained.

In terms of impacts recorded from the inaugural event of the same event held in January this year, Kheraj said students gained firsthand insights from experts in various fields as well as hands-on experiences that give students a realistic understanding of what it feels like to work in different professions.

“There was also development of relationships with mentors and coaches who can offer future guidance and support as well as obtaining greater clarity on their career pathways and making informed choices about their academic subjects,” she said.

“Basically, this event offers a unique platform for students to gain insights and inspiration by connecting with professionals from various fields…attendees can expect a series of interactive and engaging workshops that will help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

“The event will also provide opportunities for meaningful mentorship and networking, helping students build relationships that could support their future aspirations,” she concluded.

However, in terms of expected featured speakers in the category of science and technology are Sadick Masomhe who is Chief Technology Officer at Wazohub Technologies, Farha Mohamed who works as Head of Productions at Selcom, Megha Unadkat who is Paediatric Cardiologist at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and Adnan Mohammed who is Chief Executive Officer at Kleenair Entrepreneurship.

Others are Linus Ndongwe who is the Chief Operating Officer at Kazi Yetu, Jane Mgone who works as Innovation Officer at UNICEF, Sno Cream Owner Maryam Zialor as well as Grace Assenga who works as Forensics Auditor at A & K Tanzania.

In creative category, featured speakers are Gladys Aswile who is Education and Research Officer at Ubongo Kids not forgetting Elisha Simon who works as Managing Director at Neiked.

UpStudio Africa is the leading creator of innovative learning experiences in Tanzania, envisioning a world where learning opportunities in science, technology, entrepreneurship and creative design are accessible to all.

Through experiential learning and collaborative projects,UpStudio Africa empowers learners to become the innovators of tomorrow and has so far reached over 600 students across 50 schools in Dar es Salaam.