Dr. Lwidiko Mhamilawa has established STEM Parks in Tanzania, aimed at teaching science through hands-on play. These parks provide young people with an adventure playground of science, featuring entertaining experiments and hands-on equipment to promote a love for STEM subjects. Co-founded by Dr. Mhamilawa, these centers aim to cultivate a new generation of scientists in the country. Children are able to engage with concepts such as centrifugal force, virtual reality, drones, and 3D printing, while also attracting the wider community to participate. The ultimate goal is to change perceptions of science and establish more science-themed parks across Africa, modeled after Disneyland.
In Kenya, Ras Mutabaruka is a Pan-African storyteller and filmmaker who has founded The African Perspective (TAP) Magazine. He has previously produced stories for Africa Direct and has had the opportunity to share narratives from 15 African countries. Mutabaruka’s work focuses on promoting the diverse perspectives and voices of the African continent through storytelling and filmmaking. His efforts contribute to showcasing the richness and complexity of African cultures and histories.
Through Projekt Inspire’s STEM Parks in Tanzania, Dr. Mhamilawa is working to revolutionize science education by providing hands-on learning experiences for children. By offering engaging experiments and interactive equipment, these parks aim to foster a passion for STEM subjects and inspire a new generation of scientists in the country. Children have the opportunity to explore concepts such as centrifugal force, virtual reality, drones, and 3D printing, sparking their curiosity and creativity. Additionally, these parks serve as a platform to involve the broader community in science education.
Ras Mutabaruka, based in Kenya, is dedicated to promoting the voices and narratives of the African continent through storytelling and filmmaking. As the founder of The African Perspective (TAP) Magazine and a producer for Africa Direct, Mutabaruka has shared stories from 15 African countries, celebrating the diversity and complexity of African cultures. His work aims to challenge stereotypes and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, contributing to a more inclusive and representative media landscape. By highlighting the untold stories of African societies, Mutabaruka seeks to inspire empathy, understanding, and unity.
Dr. Mhamilawa’s vision to establish more science-themed parks across Africa reflects a commitment to transforming attitudes towards science and education on the continent. By creating spaces that blend entertainment with learning, these parks offer a dynamic and engaging approach to STEM education, attracting children and families alike. Through hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology and scientific concepts, young learners are inspired to explore the wonders of science and pursue careers in STEM fields. Dr. Mhamilawa’s initiative represents a bold step towards building a more scientifically literate and innovative society in Africa.
In conclusion, Dr. Lwidiko Mhamilawa’s STEM Parks in Tanzania and Ras Mutabaruka’s storytelling and filmmaking initiatives in Kenya both contribute to advancing education and representation in Africa. Through hands-on play and interactive learning experiences, Dr. Mhamilawa is inspiring a new generation of scientists and changing perceptions of science in the country. Meanwhile, Mutabaruka’s work in amplifying African voices and narratives challenges stereotypes and elevates diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. Together, these efforts are driving positive change and promoting a more inclusive and innovative future for Africa.
