REACH – Robotics for Every Child: A Groundbreaking STEM Initiative in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, March 17-21, 2025 – REACH – Robotics for Every Child is a transformative initiative aimed at making robotics education accessible and affordable for children, fostering a new generation of young innovators and tech entrepreneurs. Organized by STEM Quest Lab in collaboration with the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe and powered by Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., India, this large-scale STEM outreach program will engage over 1,350 students daily across five provinces in Zimbabwe.

Over five days, students as young as 8 years old will participate in hands-on robotics and STEM learning, equipping them with essential problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills. By introducing children to STEM education at an early age, REACH aims to ignite curiosity, instill confidence in technology, and lay a strong foundation for future scientific and entrepreneurial success. Covering Mashonaland West, Manicaland, Masvingo, Midlands, and Bulawayo, the program will reach a total of 6,750 students, who will design, build, and program robots using advanced kits such as Qurio REACH Kit, Spark, Kindle, Fire, and Arduino Uno, under the guidance of expert trainers.

Beyond imparting technical knowledge, REACH is designed to reduce mobile screen dependency, shifting students’ focus from passive digital consumption to active, hands-on innovation. By fostering a passion for science, technology, and robotics, the initiative aims to nurture creativity, inspire students to explore careers in technology, and create a pipeline of future tech entrepreneurs.

Train-the-Trainer Program – Building a Sustainable STEM Ecosystem

To ensure long-term impact, REACH incorporates a Train-the-Trainer (T3) program, where 40 educators from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe are invited to participate. This initiative empowers educators with specialized training in robotics and STEM education, enabling them to continue teaching and expanding the reach of robotics education in their schools and communities. By equipping teachers with the necessary skills, the T3 program creates a lasting impact beyond the five-day event, ensuring sustainable growth and widespread STEM education across the country.

The Grand Culmination – STEM Quest Challenge

The initiative will conclude with the STEM Quest Challenge, where students will participate in competitions such as the Science Quiz, Science Expo, Bridge Building, Robotics Construction, and Robo Race. This grand event will provide a dynamic platform for students to showcase their skills, collaborate, and engage in experiential learning. It will serve as a celebration of innovation, encouraging young minds to push the boundaries of science and technology while fostering a spirit of teamwork and problem-solving.

Inspiring Future Tech Entrepreneurs

REACH – Robotics for Every Child is not just about robotics—it is about creating future technology leaders and entrepreneurs. By introducing students to robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and innovation, the program fosters entrepreneurial thinking and encourages young minds to develop real-world problem-solving abilities. By bridging the gap between education and industry, REACH empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to become future creators, innovators, and tech entrepreneurs in the evolving digital economy.

A Global Benchmark in STEM Outreach

With 6,750 students engaged across five provinces, REACH is one of the largest STEM outreach programs ever conducted at this scale. This initiative positions Zimbabwe as a global leader in expanding access to STEM education, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and future-ready skills. It reinforces the country’s commitment to nurturing homegrown solutions, fostering innovation, and equipping young minds to thrive in a technology-driven world.

A Week of Innovation, Learning & Collaboration

The program features five major components within one transformative week:

1. Robotics for Every Child (March 17-21): A large-scale outreach initiative introducing students to robotics and technology, equipping them with essential STEM skills.
2. Train-the-Trainer Program (March 17-21): A dedicated initiative where 40 educators from all 10 provinces will be trained in robotics education and hands-on STEM learning, ensuring long-term impact across schools and communities.
3. The Breakfast Meeting (March 21): A gathering of business leaders, academia, and learners, featuring research presentations, debates, and tech showcases on Robotics, 3D Printing, Drones, AI, Biometrics, and Information Systems by industry experts.
4. STEM Quest Challenge (March 22): A culmination of the program with competitions like the Science Quiz, Science Expo, Bridge Building, Robotics Construction, and Robo Race, offering an exceptional platform for students to learn, compete, and grow.
5. Long-Term STEM Expansion: By training educators and equipping students with STEM skills, REACH ensures that the program’s impact extends far beyond a single event, fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement in Zimbabwe.

This week-long event is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning in emerging technologies, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) and the School-Based Projects (SBP) framework. These initiatives encourage students to develop real-world solutions for local challenges, enhancing their collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills—essential for success in the 21st-century economy.

With a vision to make robotics education accessible for every child, REACH – Robotics for Every Child is set to revolutionize STEM learning in Zimbabwe, empowering thousands of young learners to become the scientists, engineers, and tech leaders of tomorrow.