The engagement which took place at Machinga CDSS also aimed at exposing the students to practical application of some of the science theories that they learn in class. According to Chikumbutso Waalani, Acting Design Studio Manager, the engagement was important because it accorded the students an opportunity to interact with professionals and appreciate how innovation contributes to the development of the country.

‘’ We organized this interaction after noticing that many students in rural areas do not have enough exposure to science and technology because some schools do not even have a science laboratory, so we decided to bring a practical session so that they can experience real life technologies as one way of inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation in the future,’’ he said.

Walani added that many students in rural areas do not usually have role models, so the visit was also aimed at motivating the students to work hard in school.

Abdulrazak Issa, one of the students at the school said the engagement has encouraged him to work hard in sciences subjects because the practical session helped him to understand how innovation can help solve some of the problems that the country is facing.

‘’ Thorough this session we have learnt how we can turn our ideas into practical solutions for the community through innovation,’’ said Issa.

In his remarks, Jodrix Kalambula, one of the science teachers at Machinga CDSS said many students especially girls shun science subjects which they perceive to be difficult, so the practical session was important to demystify those perceptions. He also lamented that many students in rural areas drop out of school because they lack motivation due to lack of information and he expressed gratitude to MUBAS for organizing the motivation talk for the students apart from the science practical session.

The Design Studio was established to mentor students on innovation, design and technology development using a practical hands-on approach.