By LUCY PHIRI
THE University of Zambia (UNZA) has commended government for the role it has played in impacting knowledge on science and technology related subjects to secondary schools as well as higher learning institutions to equip and give learners early exposure to drone technology.
The university has also expressed gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for sponsoring Zambia flying Labs so as to accelerate the positive impact of robotics, drones, and technology and innovation. Mr. Simon Tembo, Dean of the School of Engineering said on April 30 2019, The university established a chapter with Zambia Flying Labs, and is part of a global network of local empowered hubs affiliated to an international organisation We Robotics. He was speaking at Zambia Flying Labs Boot Camp-STEM Fair Event yesterday in Lusaka. Mr. Tembo said the vision of the university is to promote partnerships in robotics, drones, and technology and innovation competitions, boot camps, hackathons and accelerator programmes.
“We have engaged our students in digital transformation projects such as drones for solid waste management of Lusaka’s Chunga Dump site, road traffic mapping using integration of drone technology and image processing, and currently a do-it-yourself drone building project. The university also takes pride in awards and donations it has made under the flying labs ranging from youth competition awards to donating Maths and science books to primary and secondary schools,” Mr Tembo said.
And Felix Mutati, the Minister of Science and Technology said the event was aimed at promoting Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
And speaking on behalf of Minister of education, Mr. Douglas Syakalima, the ministry’s Director Mr Amos Mumba commended UNZA for being a pioneer in promoting science and technology and taking a leadership role in accelerating industrial partnerships in advancement of education.
Meanwhile, Mr. Roland Seri, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative said investing in innovations through youth as “agents of change” is critical to accelerate the sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) at country level.
And Chief Executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Sonny Zulu, said the bank believes that every young person must have the opportunity to actualize their potential.
