By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu District Council has commended NEXT GEN Labs for equipping learners with practical science and innovation skills through Junior Science Clubs in primary schools.
Chief Education Officer for Ntcheu District, Dayman Kondowe, made the remarks on Tuesday during the graduation of 50 Junior Science Club members from Bilira and Chimvano primary schools at Chimvano Primary School in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Mkutumula.
“This is a strong foundation for these learners because the skills they are acquiring today will help them grow into future innovators and problem solvers,” said Kondowe.
Under a two year project called “Going Beyond,” NEXT GEN Labs trained learners in Standard Four and below in basic science innovations, including solar dryer making, basic wiring and light connection during a six week training programme.
Kondowe described the initiative as important for rural learners, saying practical skills such as light connection can help improve access to learning, especially during night study sessions.
He also applauded Save the Children for financially supporting the programme and urged parents to continue guiding the learners as they develop their skills.
Ntcheu District Youth Officer, Chigonjetso Chiromo, said science and technology innovations are essential for community and national development.
Chiromo said exposing children to science at an early stage will help prepare them for higher learning opportunities in institutions such as Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Mzuzu University.
Group Village Headman Mkutumula thanked government and development partners for introducing the initiative in the area, saying it will help shape a brighter future for children in rural communities.
NEXT GEN Labs focuses on promoting education and innovations in emerging technologies such as internet applications, machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics.
