Uganda-Based Fundi Bots is Promoting Science Education in Africa Through Robotics
In a number of African countries, classroom teaching is most of the time focused on theory, with the aim of passing examinations. Students miss out on experiments and practical learning, leading to limited skills development and low job/career prospects.
Fundi Bots is changing the norm. Founded in 2011 by Solomon King Benge, the Uganda-based non-profit organization provides hands-on, practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)) education to children and youth in classrooms, communities and universities.
In the words of the founder, “the mission of Fundibots is to basically to accelerate Science learning in Africa. We are creating tools, systems and processes to help students learn science better whether they in or outside of school.”
Students are taught how to build robots through presentations and short training, and the result of this is that it improves school curriculum knowledge, classroom performance, provides hands-on vocational skills and career development and empowers students to be forces of change in their communities.
According to the team, “The Fundi Bots learning model is practical, fun, engaging and puts students in a collaborative and exploratory learning environment that inspires them to think beyond simply passing classroom examinations.
Our mission is to use robotics training in African schools to create and inspire a new generation of problem solvers, innovators and change-makers.“
In carrying out their course, Fundi Bots works with schools, partners and communities to provide useful knowledge on practical and general science, technology and engineering.
Their long term goal is to prepare youths for careers through the provision of internships, certifications, skill development training and computer programming among others. They also make use of ‘Fundi Spaces’ to reach a wider audience, enabling young people to have access to robotics training, workshops, events, innovation tools and learning resources at no cost.
Fundi Bots is using a powerful and immersive learning experience that is sure to improve the started of science education in Africa.
