Women and girls in science from the Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Mwanza Campus, recently visited Biru and Nganza secondary schools in the Mwanza region to inspire female students to focus on science subjects. This visit was part of the global celebration commemorating the week of women and girls in science, culminating annually on February 11.
Dorice Ngogo, an environmental and social safeguards scientist at DIT Mwanza campus, encouraged girls not to shy away from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, highlighting the vast opportunities available within these fields. “I have personally pursued science courses and can assure you there’s no need to fear these subjects. There are countless opportunities I encounter every day,” Dorice explained.
She further informed the students about the various courses available at DIT Mwanza, including Laboratory Science Technology, Food Processing Technology, Leather Product Processing Technology, Leather Product Manufacturing Technology, and Information and Communication Technology.
Glory Mbilinyi, a student from DIT Mwanza Campus, speaks during commemoration of Women and Girls Scientists’ Day held at Bwiru Girls secondary school at Mwanza city. Photo by Joshua Kasase.
Ms. Ifigenia Haule, headmistress of Nganza Secondary School, expressed gratitude towards DIT’s rector, Prof. Preksedis Marco Ndomba, for enabling the visit, which she believes has significantly benefited her students, especially considering that over 60% of the curriculum at her school is science-based.
Students from Bwiru Secondary School also expressed their appreciation for the motivation provided by DIT Mwanza, committing to redouble their efforts in science subjects to achieve their goals. “We are thankful to the government for improving the learning environment, notably the laboratories and their equipment,” said Selina Sostenesi, a form five student aspiring to become a pharmacist.
Generosa Kampala, another form five student from Nganza girls’ school, took the opportunity during the women’s science week to urge her peers not to fear science subjects. She emphasized the importance of assertiveness, self-confidence, decision-making, and collaboration. Praising the government and stakeholders like DIT Mwanza for their support in enhancing learning environments and encouraging girls to pursue science, she advocated for such campaigns to be ongoing and permanent.
A – level Students from Bwiru secondary school at Mwanza listening carefully from instructors during commemoration of Women and Girls Scientists’ day held at Bwiru Girls secondary school at Mwanza city. Photo by Joshua Kasase.
Sospeter Edward, academic master at Bwiru secondary school, observed that initiatives like these from women scientists and female students at DIT could significantly increase female science enrollment rates, which he aims to see rise in the academic year 2024/25.
Johari Mkunga, a food science and technology expert at DIT Mwanza Campus, reassured girls of the myriad opportunities in the science field, urging students to consider DIT Mwanza for their studies. She highlighted the critical role of food science from household needs to national demands.
Glory Mbilinyi, a third-year student at DIT pursuing a leather processing technology course, echoed the sentiment that science offers numerous opportunities. She illustrated the relevance of leather products for people of all ages and at all times, emphasizing the wide-ranging economic and social opportunities technology offers, including starting one’s own factory.
DIT Mwanza’s management is committed to continuing the visitation program to primary and secondary schools within and outside the Mwanza region, supporting the government’s efforts to motivate and acknowledge the contributions of women and girls in science towards the nation’s economic and social development.
By Joshua Kasase, Public Relations Officer, DIT Mwanza Campus.