Where curiosity leads, innovation follows – and girls rise.
More than 200 girls from Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe took part in CAMFED’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) camps, gaining hands-on experience while sparking creativity and innovation.
In partnership with Ministries of Education and the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), CAMFED co-hosted STEM camps in Lilongwe, Malawi (11–15 August), and Lusaka, Zambia (18–22 August), bringing together the next generation of STEM leaders from rural communities across Africa. The camps provided a supportive environment for girls to explore their passion for STEM and build confidence to pursue careers in science and technology.
During the camps, students seized the opportunity to connect with other like-minded young innovators from similar disadvantaged backgrounds — building new friendships, sharing ideas, and encouraging one another.
CAMFED Zambia Executive Director, Namenda Malupande, reiterated that the camps were carefully designed to inspire and nurture participants, with the aim of “promoting creativity, innovation, and cross-learning.”
Participating in four modules — one of which explored the theme of space — students were tasked with inventing items using materials provided, and presenting prototypes to their teachers and peers. Through this, students enjoyed the chance to problem-solve, express their creativity, and gain confidence — all vital skills needed to become the change-makers their communities and the world so urgently need.
The camp concluded with a vibrant celebration of culture, as students showcased traditional dances, songs, and clothing from their home districts.
This camp was an incredible experience. We learned so much—not only about STEM, but also about believing in ourselves. It was a chance for us to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and imagine a future where girls are leaders in science and innovation.Hope, Secondary Student and Aspiring Engineer, Zambia
Opening the camp in Malawi, the Deputy Director for Basic and Secondary Education from the Ministry of Education shared the government’s commitment to scaling up the STEM camps through the Equity with Quality and Learning at Secondary project.
In Zambia, the camp was officiated by Adrian Kambunga, Principal Education Officer (Secondary) at the Ministry of Education, who highlighted the role of ICT and STEM in the 2023 Curriculum Framework. He emphasized the Ministry’s focus on technology-driven education programmes that enhance teaching, learning, and research.
CAMFED Zambia Board Chairperson, Enita Hamatumbika, reaffirmed CAMFED’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in alignment with government priorities: “We are committed to closing the gender gap in STEM and supporting girls to take up STEM courses at tertiary level, where they can develop skills that will drive innovation and growth in the country.”
In this Q&A with Tendai, a Financial Mathematics graduate in Zimbabwe, you’ll discover how Tendai turned challenges into achievements and is now inspiring other young women to excel in STEM.
With CAMFED's support through school, I'm now a confident, educated leader in tech, forging ahead to transform my underserved community.
Amit Roy £12.70
Karynne Rayner $5.60
Ronald Spann $63.40
Amanda Ridenour $16.10
Marcia Hart $63.40
Christine Reppucci $50
Julianna Carigga $7.70
Terry Owens $63.40
Josephine Theuergarten £13.92
David Kinzer $500
James Ford $1577
Marilyn Miller $20
Lenore Rudolph $47.60
Marla Hill $21.40
Prabha Singh $526
