UNESCO and IEEE host STEM Bootcamp at UP to empower girls in engineering and foster sustainable cities

PRETORIA - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organisation and a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, have collaborated with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Department of Basic Education (DBE), and University of Pretoria (UP) to host a STEM Bootcamp on Electricity, Skyscrapers and Engineering for Sustainable Cities from 11 to 12 February 2026.

Organised to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM (on 11 February), the Bootcamp aims to promote hands-on STEM learning while encouraging individuals to pursue studies and careers in engineering, electricity-related fields, and the built environment.

Speaking at the launch of the Bootcamp, Mmampei Chaba, Chief Director for Multilateral Cooperation and Africa at the DSTI, highlighted the need to prepare young people for the economy by empowering them with relevant skills. “By 2030, over 50% of the African population will be young people. However, we are not producing the right skill sets that we need for the economy. DSTI is committed to addressing this, and this is why we have partnered with UNESCO, IEEE, and UP for this Bootcamp,” she said.

As rapid urbanisation and technological change continue to shape societies and labour markets, foundational knowledge in electricity, structural engineering, and urban infrastructure is increasingly critical for sustainable development. Despite this, young learners still face obstacles to participation in the STEM fields, due to persistent structural barriers and limited access to quality STEM education.

Speaking about this, Peter Wells, Head of Education for UNESCO in Southern Africa, stated, “UNESCO is committed to ensuring that every young person – especially girls – has access to quality STEM education, because science, technology, and innovation are not optional for the future we are building; they are essential.

Too many girls continue to be excluded from STEM pathways due to persistent gender stereotypes, unequal access to resources, and limited opportunities to engage with science in meaningful ways. Hands-on STEM initiatives, such as this Bootcamp, respond directly to this challenge. Through partnerships with institutions such as IEEE, government, and universities, UNESCO is working to create inclusive STEM ecosystems that open doors for girls, strengthen education systems, and ensure that innovation reflects the talents, perspectives, and potential of all.”

The two-day, in-person Bootcamp will bring together 200 secondary school students, with a strong focus on learners from rural schools, alongside 40 STEM teachers, IEEE youth volunteers from South Africa, expert facilitators from UNESCO, IEEE representatives and volunteers, and Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South Africa Chapter representatives.

Prof Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education at UP, said, “For many young people, especially girls, STEM can feel distant or out of reach when they have never seen themselves represented in these fields. This Bootcamp creates a space where curiosity is welcomed, confidence is nurtured, and possibilities begin to feel real. 

At the University of Pretoria, we believe that early, hands-on exposure to science and engineering can change how young people imagine their futures. By opening our campus and working with partners such as UNESCO, IEEE and government, we are helping young girls see themselves not only as learners of science, but as future engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders shaping sustainable cities.”

Participants will engage in inquiry-based, hands-on activities drawn from IEEE REACH, exploring core concepts in electricity, engineering design, and skyscraper construction. “IEEE is excited to be part of such an important event,” said Dr Udochukwu B. Akuru, IEEE South Africa Section Chair. “Given the IEEE’s mission to advance technology for the benefit of humanity, IEEE continues to find opportunities to provide excitement for all within the engineering and technical arena.”

The programme will also feature motivational talks and mentorship sessions led by UNESCO L’Oréal awardees and IEEE ambassadors, showcasing real-world career pathways and leaders in STEM. In addition to inspiring learners, the Bootcamp seeks to strengthen teachers’ capacity to deliver low-cost, practical STEM instruction and to foster collaboration among national institutions, education stakeholders, and international partners. Expected outcomes include increased confidence among students in pursuing STEM careers, improved teaching methodologies, and enhanced visibility of STEM initiatives aligned with national, continental, and global development priorities.

The Bootcamp reflects a shared commitment to advancing STEM education and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to design resilient, sustainable cities for the future.