In Tanga City, STEM Park is revolutionising education by inspiring young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Led by Projekt Inspire under the TangaYetu program—funded by Fondation Botnar and managed by INNOVEX, this initiative is paving the way for a future powered by innovation and curiosity.
A Space for Curiosity and Growth
Angel Msechu, a STEM Communicator at the park, describes the excitement she feels working with children eager to learn.
“Every day, they are discovering something new. That’s what I love most about working here,” she says.
Angel has a knack for using everyday materials like lemons, sugar, and yeast to simplify complex concepts, making STEM relatable and fun for kids.
Children at STEM Park are particularly drawn to technology-related activities, which align with the growing digital age. This approach not only sparks interest but also motivates students to dream big and explore careers in STEM fields.
Guiding the Next Generation
On STEM Day, 274 students from primary schools across Tanga gathered at the park for an exciting lineup of activities, including career guidance and hands-on experiments. Max George, Project Manager at STEM Park, shared the program’s purpose:
“We want students to get excited about science and start thinking about careers in fields like engineering and medicine. Our goal is to show them the pathways they can take to achieve their dreams.”
Recognising the challenge of accessibility for schools on the outskirts of Tanga City, the team launched an outreach program to bring STEM Park’s resources and activities to remote areas. This ensures that all students, regardless of location, can benefit from the opportunities offered.
Inspiring Innovation and Creativity
For students like Neema William, STEM Park is a game-changer. Neema proudly shared her latest project: a cane designed to help visually impaired individuals walk independently.
“The hands-on learning here complements what we learn in class. It’s encouraged me to be more creative and work harder,” says Neema.
Her peer, Rajabu Juma, fondly remembers examining the DNA of a banana during a STEM session.
“STEM Park has been part of my learning journey since primary school. It’s helping me achieve my dreams, and I encourage other students to join,” he says.
Teachers also see the difference. Cletus Austack Mbala, a teacher at Masechu Secondary School, praises STEM Park for connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications.
“Through tools like 3D printing and PhET simulations, our students are becoming more creative and innovative. Over the past five years, we’ve seen steady improvement in academic performance.”
A Future of Possibilities
STEM Park is more than a learning center—it’s a catalyst for change. By providing hands-on learning, supporting innovative teaching methods, and extending its reach through outreach programs, the park is shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders in Tanga.
Thanks to the support of Fondation Botnar, the dedication of Projekt Inspire, STEM Park continues to make a lasting impact. For the young learners of Tanga, the future is bright—and it’s being built one experiment at a time.
