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Hi, my name is Stephen Malunga Manchishi
NEF Ambassador – Zambia
Stephen Manchishi is a Special Research Fellow (SRF) in the school of Natural Sciences at the University of Zambia, and a PhD candidate in reproductive neuroendocrinology at the University Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Broadly speaking, his research seeks to better understand the physiology of the brain’s integration of various endogenous and exogenous cues influencing the timing of puberty onset and fertility, or lack thereof, with potential translation into treating infertility, early or delayed puberty onset, and finding novel contraception strategies. He is eager to contribute to the development of a support system among young science enthusiasts in Zambia to bridge the information gap, and to help upcoming scientists make informed decisions early in life. He engages learners through a network of Junior and Senior mentors, which he co-founded.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCIENCE IN Zambia
Zambia’s economy is arguably at its all-time lowest. This situation obviously has not spared the research and development sector, which has anyway always largely been neglected. Notwithstanding, it is noteworthy and praiseworthy that the government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, created a competitive Strategic Research Fund (SRF) and Science and Technology Innovation Youth Fund (STIYF) implemented by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The SRF aims to support basic and applied research prescribed under national priority areas while the STIYF aims to enable youth innovators play a significant role in the development of key sectors of the economy. It is a question of how accessible and adequate these funds, especially to early career researchers and youth entrepreneurs, are to carry out meaningful research for sustainable development. Many research institutions have been, and/or at least look, neglected and abandoned. Existing public learning and research institutions are chronically underfunded. The paltry allocations towards research and development, and out of date infrastructure makes it extremely difficult to carry out state of the art scientific research or to foster meaningful and mutual international collaboration. On the other hand, several youth-led organisations and initiatives championing scientific research, innovation and inventions have sprung up, underscoring the fact that the country has no shortage of motivated human resource in this aspect.
Showcasing of local science inventions and innovations, mostly by Zambian youths and initiatives. The students, policy makers and the general public are invited to interact, learn and get inspired by the ingenuity of the inventors, as well as share ideas for economic development through science innovation, invention and entrepreneurship.
October
16th
Engaging with learners – Tertiary institutions
8:30 – 4:00
Mulungushi University
An interaction of science learners and educators, characterized by various forms of engagements including workshops, open discussions and presentations of research findings and innovations by research scientists and students. The aim is to foster collaboration and capacity building, for the development of STEM.
October
17th
Engaging with Learners- secondary schools
8:30 – 4:00
Mulungushi University
This event is dedicated to expose pupils to hands on practical experience in a fun atmosphere, allowing them to see the fun side of science and hopefully persuading them to believe that STEM not only fun but a vital tool for innovation and invention for economic development. Further, the event aims to stimulate discussion among teachers on how best they can innovate to support STEM education amid inadequate teaching resources for science.
October
18th
SPARK by BongoHive
8:30 – 4:30
BongoHive, Lusaka
SPARK by BongoHive is a fun 2-day project-based to introduce kids to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and computer programming. By participating in the program, kids learn fundamental electronics and science concepts, with practical build sessions in which they get to learn how to turn ideas into solutions. They are empowered to express their creativity and harness critical 21st-century skills.
October
19th
SPARK by BongoHive
8:30 – 4:30
BongoHive, Lusaka
SPARK by BongoHive is a fun 2-day project-based to introduce kids to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and computer programming. By participating in the program, kids learn fundamental electronics and science concepts, with practical build sessions in which they get to learn how to turn ideas into solutions. They are empowered to express their creativity and harness critical 21st-century skills.
Rural outreach
9:00 – 3:30
Lubasi Village, Chongwe
An outreach to a rural area to engage with local people in health- related workshops including menstrual hygiene using reusable pads and cervical and prostate cancer screening. Participants will also be taught remedies to handle ailments that they come across in the daily livelihood, especially in the rural set up, including how to help treat burn, snake bites, bee stings and saving someone drowning. In addition, we’ll also showcase some drone technology.
Women in science cocktail
6:00 – 9:00
Government complex, Lusaka
An event to recognize, appreciate and celebrate women in science; women who are pioneers, role models and experts in their fields. This is an opportunity for the younger ones, especially females to draw inspiration to pursue careers in and stand out in the rather male-dominated STEM careers. It is also an attempt to stimulate collaborative conversation, exchange contacts in a relaxed environment, around some nibbles and cocktails.
