The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation camp commenced today, and one of the ten schools participating will win a prize as well as an opportunity to compete in the regional competitions in South Africa.

The initiative, facilitated by ExxonMobil in collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa and Mindsinaction Stem Centre, aims to equip young Africans with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to tackle real-world challenges and prepare them for their futures.

The learners are expected to come up with solutions to various challenges faced by communities and showcase their ideas, and one school will be selected to represent Namibia.

They will receive mentorship from ExxonMobil engineers to prepare them for the finals in Cape Town, South Africa, where they will be competing against the top schools from Nigeria, Mozambique and Angola.

"Today is a special day, a day dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and the incredible potential of young minds in Namibia. Those looking straight at me right now. Today is the day where theory meets practice. We're no longer just doing quizzes. Where curiosity becomes creativity. And where learners come together to solve real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Rachel Msiska, the Deputy General Manager of ExxonMobil.

The event features various activities designed to foster collaboration and problem-solving and showcase the learners' proficiency across various STEM disciplines.

The learners described the competition as not only promoting teamwork but also contributing to youth development by promoting curiosity and lifelong learning as well as preparing them for their future careers.

The regional event will take place in Cape Town from the 29th of September to the 3rd of October.