By Adedapo Adesanya
The ExxonMobil Foundation and JA Africa have launched the ExxonMobil STEM Africa initiative, a $300,000 programme to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for approximately 3,000 African students across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation engages in a range of philanthropic initiatives in areas where the company operates around the world, with a strategic focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
Through this programme, it will prepare middle and high school students for future careers in STEM through immersive quizzes and hands-on experiences at innovation camps.
The camps, delivered by JA Africa, will teach new approaches to addressing STEM-related challenges. JA Africa, with over presence in 16 Sub-Saharan Africa countries delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more.
Speaking on this, ExxonMobil Foundation President Alvin Abraham said the foundation is focused on growing students’ STEM skills, which is key in developing the next generation of problem solvers across Africa.
“We’re excited to see how these young minds apply what they’ve learned through our programme,” he said.
Teams who present the best STEM solutions will represent their countries at a major regional industry conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Students will gain cross-cultural exposure, learn about energy from a global perspective and showcase their ideas while connecting with industry leaders.
“In an era where technology and innovation propel the global economy forward, Africa’s position at the forefront of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainable development,” said JA Africa President and CEO, Mrs Simi Nwogugu.
“We are grateful to the ExxonMobil Foundation for this partnership to nurture STEM competencies to shape Africa’s future,” she added.
