200 attend girls science camp  at Malawi University of Science and Technology

Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Emmanuel Fabiano has called on school girls in all regions of the country to understand the importance of Science subjects for them to have more opportunities in future.

Fabiano made the call at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo district on Monday when he presided over the first ever 2016 MUST Girls Science Camp.

The camp which attracted 200 female students from all regions was organized with the aim of motivating and inspiring girls to start loving science subjects in secondary schools.

The minister said there is clear evidence that many girls in secondary schools shun science subjects saying science provides more chances of innovations.

Fabiano said; “The aim of this girls’ science camp is to urge girls to put much effort in science subjects in order for them to increase their chances of excelling in life.

“Even here at MUST the enrollment of girls is very low and this has necessitated the organization of the camp.

“We are talking of moving from Aid to Trade in Malawi but this can only be achieved if we are producing unique services that can enable the country to sell.

“Today, I want all girls to be in love with mathematics, physical science, chemistry, biology among other important subjects because science and technology is crucial for innovation.

Fabiano further said Malawi needs well trained girls and government is deliberately putting some efforts in order for more girls to enroll in science.

He further said plans are underway already to establish a 5th University in Mzimba district that will focus on animal science and veterinary.

“Government is deliberately doing this because a lot of people in Malawi are not adequately exposed to science and technology,” he added.

Acting Vice Chancellor for MUST, Professor Address Malata lamented that the enrolment of girls at the science school is not convincing saying the institution is still trying to push science amongst women.

The Vice Chancellor said it is sad to note that a few girls like science subjects adding MUST will continue holding different forums that are aimed at sensitizing women to start admiring science.

“It is true that many girls are not coming at MUST which is why from this year we have started holding girls science camps. This is our first camp and it will be an annual event.

“The enrolment of girls at this school is at 21 percent and we intend it to be as high as over 50 percent in future. We have taken the right direction by introducing these girls science camps,” said Professor Malata.

A 14 year old form 2 student Stella Kabambe from Mary Mount Secondary School said the weeklong science camp has started on a high note and has observed importance of science.

“I want to be a lawyer but from the look of things I may change my aspirations,” she said.

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