On August 10th, 2024, a groundbreaking initiative took place in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, as 31 young girls from local orphanages were introduced to the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Collaborating for Change
The event, organized by Women In Tech DR Congo in partnership with the NGO Kolesha through their Play and Code Academy, aimed to ignite a spark of curiosity and confidence in these girls, empowering them to envision a future where they can actively participate in the rapidly evolving fields of technology and innovation.
Hands-on Exploration
The workshop was divided into two groups based on the participants’ ages. The younger girls, aged 7 to 11, delved into the world of LEGO robotics, constructing and programming a fan to operate via a Bluetooth-connected tablet. “It was amazing to see the girls’ faces light up as they watched their creations come to life,” remarked Sandrine Tshiamala, Founder and Manager of Kolesha. “For many of them, it was the first time they had experienced the thrill of bringing their ideas to reality through code.”
Building Robots, Building Confidence
The older participants, aged 12 to 17, took on a more ambitious challenge: building and programming a fully functional robot. Under the guidance of expert mentors, these young innovators not only gained valuable technical skills but also developed a newfound sense of self-belief and empowerment. “The workshop has shown these girls that they have the potential to excel in STEAM fields, opening up a world of opportunities that they may have never imagined,” said Fanny Muamba, the founder of Women In Tech DR Congo.
Bridging the Gender Gap
The organizers of the event believe that initiatives like this are crucial in bridging the gender gap in STEAM, particularly in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where access to quality education and technology-focused programs can be limited. “By exposing these girls to the wonders of coding and robotics at a young age, we are planting the seeds for a future where women are not just consumers of technology, but active drivers of innovation,” said Tshiamala.
Transformative Journeys
The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by the participants throughout the workshop suggest that this may be the beginning of a transformative journey for these young Congolese girls. “I never knew I could build a robot or write code,” exclaimed 14-year-old Fatima Mbemba. “This experience has made me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to.”
As the girls returned to their orphanages, they carried with them not just the newfound knowledge and skills, but a renewed sense of purpose and the belief that they can shape the future of their country and the world.
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