Mastercard has rolled out the digital version of its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programme at a local school in Alexandra (Alex) Township in Johannesburg.
Rose-Act Saturday School, which offers extra classes on Saturdays to learners enrolled at schools in and around Alex, is the first South African school to offer the Girls4Tech Connect digital programme. The Saturday school is co-ordinated by non-profit organisation Rays of Hope.
Initially launched in 2014 in the US,Mastercard’s Girls4Tech aims to drive interest in and awareness of STEM studies and careers among primary school girls aged between seven and 12. It offers activities and a curriculum built on global science and math standards.
In 2017, Mastercard brought the Girls4Tech programme to SA, starting at Sandtonview Primary School in Johannesburg.
Although it started as a hands-on, in-person session run by employee volunteers, Mastercard enhanced access to its STEM curriculum through a digital learning experience, namely Girls4Tech Connect.
In addition, the programme has expanded to cover topics such as artificial intelligence and cyber security.
“STEM skills are still the most in-demand jobs in the South African job market, yet only 13% of graduates in STEM fields are women,” says Suzanne Morel, country manager for Mastercard SA. “At Mastercard, we are committed to tackling this challenge head-on to see women succeed and thrive in domains where they have historically been overlooked.
“Through Girls4Tech Connect, we want to develop a strong pipeline of talent by encouraging girls to embrace the subjects that will prepare them for the workforce of the future, while helping to reduce the shortage of STEM skills that are needed to boost South Africa’s economy.”
According to the payments tech company, its volunteers show young girls that being friendly, enthusiastic, mathematical, artistic, scientific, logical and creative are all skills that connect to a STEM career.
“A lot of girls believe they are not cut out for technology careers and need more confidence. They need to have good role models so they can see they can do it too,” says Morel.
Rose-Act Saturday School’s Bafana Mohale adds: “STEM skills are so important in today’s digital world. We are excited to partner with Mastercard to enable our learners to explore, create and learn in a fun and immersive online environment like Girls4Tech.”
Mastercard notes the Girls4Tech programme has already reached more than one million girls in 41 countries, including more than 1 000 in SA.
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