UNICEF and FAWEZI Hand Over 34 Mobile Science Laboratories to Schools in Zimbabwe

Harare, Zimbabwe – 14 March 2025 – In a significant step towards promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among adolescent girls, UNICEF and the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zimbabwe (FAWEZI), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), have handed over 34 mobile science laboratories to 15 primary and 19 secondary schools in Epworth and Hopley.

The initiative is part of the “Transforming Adolescent Girls’ Opportunities (TAGO) through STEM Skills Project,” aimed at bridging the gender gap in STEM education, which is funded through the Canadian National Committee for UNICEF (Canadian NatCom), reinforcing its commitment to advancing educational opportunities for girls in Zimbabwe. Ultimately, these assets will benefit all the schools, including the boys, by enhancing overall STEM learning environments.

Epworth and Hopely are home to ambitious young minds, yet many schools lack the facilities necessary to provide practical science education. Without hands-on learning experiences, students—especially girls—often find STEM subjects intimidating or irrelevant to their future careers,

“The mobile science laboratories we are providing today will transform the learning experience for these students. Through hands-on experiments and exposure to real-world applications of science, girls will gain the confidence and skills necessary to envision themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators. By investing in their education, we are ensuring that they can compete on equal footing with their peers nationwide,” Jotham Mupunza, Harare Provincial Education Director, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

The mobile laboratories will provide hands-on learning opportunities, enabling students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills essential for success in STEM fields. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which emphasize increased STEM uptake and gender inclusivity in education.

“The provision of mobile science laboratories is a game-changer for schools in peri-urban areas where resources for practical STEM education are limited. Girls are equally capable of excelling in science and technology, and these labs will provide the tools they need to explore, innovate, and thrive,” said Joëlle Ayité, UNICEF Chief of Education.

The TAGO through STEM Skills Project aims to address key barriers limiting girls' participation in STEM. Over the past year, the project has implemented a series of activities, including training female STEM teachers in gender-responsive teaching methodologies, hosting STEM fairs and role modeling sessions to inspire girls, conducting community outreach programs to promote STEM education for girls, and strengthening child protection and guidance services within schools.

By providing mobile laboratories, the project ensures that girls in underserved communities have equal opportunities to engage in practical science education, equipping them with skills for future careers in STEM.

“FAWEZI is committed to ensuring that all learners, especially girls, have access to quality STEM education. Our baseline survey highlighted a critical gap in STEM learning resources, which hindered girls' participation in science-related fields. Through the support of UNICEF, 34 schools now have mobile science laboratories, providing practical learning opportunities that will help girls stay in school, complete their education, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative also benefits boys, promoting a stronger STEM learning culture for all. We thank MoPSE and UNICEF for their partnership in advancing STEM education in Zimbabwe,” said Lydia Madyirapanze, FAWEZI Executive Director,

As part of the initiative, UNICEF urges schools and communities to take ownership of these resources, ensuring their sustainability and effective use for generations to come.

The mobile laboratory initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 4,000 adolescent girls, 350 teachers, and 3,500 community members across Epworth and Hopley. It is a crucial step towards breaking gender barriers in STEM education and empowering Zimbabwean girls to become future scientists, engineers, and innovators.