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Season 4, Episode 52

Science is fun! That’s the message from science communicators who are undertaking the critical task of engaging the researchers, mathematicians and engineers of tomorrow.

A 2024 UNESCO report showed that fewer than 25 per cent of students in Sub-Saharan Africa pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This lack of participation has profound implications for the region’s technological and economic future.

In this episode of Africa Science Focus, we explore how creative approaches to STEM education can help to bridge this gap. We speak to Tracey Shiundu, founder of Funke Science and host of the STEM Africa Fest in Kenya, who believes that fun is a game-changer for STEM education.

Lwidiko Mhamilawa, malaria researcher and Founder of Projekt Inspire STEM Park in Tanzania, tell us that fun is a catalyst for science engagement, while Kenneth Monjero, nicknamed “Dr. Fun” and President of the Fun and Education Global Network, shares with us his passion for education using dynamic teaching techniques to make science relatable.

This podcast was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative which aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.