UNESCO and IEEE Host STEM Bootcamp at University of Pretoria to Empower Girls in Engineering and Sustainable Cities

PRETORIA – In a significant step towards advancing inclusive science education in South Africa, UNESCO and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) hosted a STEM Bootcamp at the University of Pretoria on 11 February 2026, marking the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM. The two-day initiative focused on empowering young girls through hands-on learning in electricity, engineering design and sustainable city development.

Organised in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the University of Pretoria, the bootcamp brought together approximately 200 secondary school learners, with a strong representation from rural schools, alongside 40 STEM teachers, youth volunteers and expert facilitators from UNESCO and IEEE.

The opening ceremony featured notable stakeholders from government, academia and international organisations, underlining the growing importance of STEM education in shaping South Africa’s future workforce. Among the expected attendees were Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Ms Nomalungelo Gina, Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube, and University of Pretoria’s Vice Principal for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, Prof Sunil Maharaj, along with representatives from UNESCO, IEEE and industry partners.

The bootcamp was designed to promote inquiry-based and practical STEM learning, using educational materials from the IEEE REACH programme. Learners participated in interactive sessions exploring core concepts in electricity, structural engineering and skyscraper construction, while also gaining exposure to mentorship talks and real-world career guidance from STEM professionals and ambassadors.

Organisers highlighted that rapid urbanisation and technological transformation are reshaping societies and labour markets, making foundational knowledge in engineering, electricity and urban infrastructure increasingly vital for sustainable development. However, structural barriers and unequal access to quality STEM education continue to limit participation, especially among girls and learners from underserved communities.

By aligning the programme with the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, the initiative sought to directly address gender gaps in science and engineering fields. Motivational sessions led by UNESCO L’Oréal awardees and IEEE ambassadors aimed to inspire confidence among participants and demonstrate achievable career pathways in STEM-related industries.

In addition to learner development, the programme also focused on strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver low-cost, practical STEM lessons in classrooms. This approach is expected to create long-term impact by improving teaching methodologies and expanding access to quality STEM education across schools.

The UNESCO–IEEE STEM Bootcamp reflects a broader commitment by national and international partners to nurture innovation, promote gender equality in science and equip the next generation with the skills needed to design resilient and sustainable cities. As South Africa continues to invest in education and innovation, initiatives such as this bootcamp play a critical role in preparing young minds for a technology-driven future while positioning STEM as a pathway to inclusive economic growth.