Gwanda State University has taken a leading role in advancing innovation and STEM education after participating in the first day of the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Provincial Hackathon held at Mzingwane High School.
The event, organised by the Girls in STEM Trust, brought together young innovators aged 8 to 18 from across the province under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” creating a dynamic platform for creativity, problem-solving and technological exploration.GSU students attended the hackathon as mentors, providing guidance and technical support to participants as they engaged in robotics challenges. The mentorship role reflects the University’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with community engagement, while fostering innovation among younger learners.Throughout the day, participants worked in teams to design and programme robotic solutions, with GSU mentors offering hands-on assistance and sharing practical insights drawn from their academic experience. The interaction created an environment that encouraged learning, experimentation and collaboration.
In addition, GSU staff, alongside representatives from other institutions including the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, served as adjudicators, assessing the learners’ projects and providing critical feedback to help refine their innovations ahead of the final round.The initiative forms part of a broader drive to promote robotics and artificial intelligence in Matabeleland South, while nurturing early interest in STEM fields among school learners.By positioning its students and staff at the forefront of such engagements, Gwanda State University continues to strengthen its role in community-based learning and innovation, while contributing to the development of future scientists, engineers and technology leaders.
The hackathon continues tomorrow, with participants expected to further refine their projects and showcase their innovations in the final round.