The Bank of Namibia, in partnership with the Mindsinaction STEAM Centre, recently hosted its annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Expo in Windhoek. Out of 240 participants, 20 learners from five schools showcased groundbreaking solutions to real-world challenges. Among these 20 learners, Immanuel Nghishidivali from Haimbili Haufiku Senior Secondary School took first place, followed by Okakarara Senior Secondary School, P.I. Groenewald Senior Secondary, and Caprivi Senior Secondary School. Nghishidivali won N$8 000 for his energy-efficient stove. 

His idea was born from studying the production of cooking gas. “The energy-efficient stove is just a gas stove, but a very affordable one with zero emissions. What inspired me was seeing many people, some of them grandmothers, walking miles to other villages to fetch firewood. It made me sad, as did the fact that some lack electricity for electric stoves,” he said. 

“The challenge I faced was ensuring it would be 100% safe to use, and I am still working on that and making sure it is safe for the environment,” he continued.

The stove contributes to sustainability because it does not pollute the environment, and could be used in other parts of the world.

“Winning the award is a great achievement, but not as much as what I am aiming for. My next steps in pursuing my interests in innovation and technology are to study the world and its problems, and find solutions. That would be my greatest achievement,” he said.

His advice to students who want to explore STEAM fields is to register for a course at the Mindsinaction STEAM Centre to gain skills that will help them solve problems around the world. “They should remember, if they can’t be the sun that shines upon the earth, they can still be the light that shines upon their country,” he added.

“For me, participating in the STEAM Expo has motivated me to continue inventing and imagining the future. Currently, I have ideas, but they are just ideas. Making them happen will be a challenge, but it’s not impossible,” he said.

He added that the partnership between the Bank of Namibia and the Mindsinaction STEAM Centre has really helped him bring his project to life by providing him with all the materials he needed, and giving him the motivation to never quit creating. He hopes their collaboration never stops inspiring and educating youth in STEAM education.

Since its launch, this programme has equipped 480 learners from eight schools with essential STEAM skills.

At the expo, the ministry of education’s Deputy Executive Director Edda Bohn, highlighted the critical role of STEAM education in fostering economic and social development.

BoN’s Deputy Governor Leonie Dunn urged stakeholders to collaborate in expanding STEAM education to more regions across the country.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na