Equipping children today, with skills for the jobs of tomorrow
UNICEF convenes a Mail & Guardian Critical Thinking Forum on the BRIDGE partnership with the BMW Group and the Department of Basic Education
Johannesburg: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related jobs are the engine of global economic growth, yet millions of these jobs are projected to go unfilled due to the very real skills gap both globally and nationally.
In South Africa, improving access to and the quality of STEM education for learners is critical to prepare young people with the relevant skills needed for their working lives. This includes helping learners to transition into future work opportunities but also nurturing young and technologically savvy entrepreneurs.
To better understand this issue, UNICEF, with the Mail & Guardian, hosted a Critical Thinking Forum on how South Africa can nurture an environment where children today are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
“We all need to work towards expanding quality STEM education and skills for young people and our passion, insights, experience and dedication will help greatly in this collective effort to leave no child behind.”
To support this vital work, the BMW Group is collaborating with UNICEF South Africa on the ‘BRIDGE’ partnership with a commitment to providing vital long-term support to strengthen the Department of Basic Education (DBE) STEM education and skills development programme.
An engaging panel discussion on the implementation of STEM education in South Africa was held, featuring speakers from UNICEF, the DBE and the BMW Group. The audience also heard from students speaking on behalf of the country’s youth who highlighted what is really needed to support them towards pursuing jobs in the STEM fields.
