Haimbili Haufiku Senior Secondary School was the overall winner of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) 2025 Expo.
The Expo which is held annually by the Bank of Namibia (BoN), through a partnership with MindsInaction, is an initiative driven by the belief that every Namibian child, regardless of their background, should have access to quality education that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity.
This year’s expo was held recently in Windhoek, where it provided a platform for 20 learners from five schools, chosen from 240 participants, to display their innovative solutions to real-life problems and share their learning from the STEAM Bootcamp.
In 2023, the Bank of Namibia made a decision to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education in Namibian schools, with a deliberate focus on schools in remote areas across the country.
Bank of Namibia says that as the world embraces the Fifth Industrial Revolution, the Bank recognises that the future prosperity of Namibia depends on a workforce that is equipped to thrive in a knowledge-based economy.
Among the many inventive ideas presented at this year’s event, the participants pitched a self-warming lunchbox, a human screening detector, a Namibian language translator and an energy-efficient stove. In addition, learners exhibited a range of prototypes.
A panel of expert judges recognised the top projects from participating schools, awarding the first place to Haimbili Haufiku Senior Secondary School for its Energy Efficient Stove. The school received a cash prize of N$8,000.
Okakarara Secondary School was awarded the second place for their Clothing App, as well as an amount of N$6,000.00.
While P.I. Groenewald Secondary School took the third place for their Translating Namibian Languages project, and N$4,000.
The Best Exhibitor recognition went to Caprivi Senior Secondary School who presented an QR Code Payment System initiative; they also received N$2,000.
Delivering the keynote at the event, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Ms. Edda Bohn stated, “Evidently, countries that have embraced STEAM education have witnessed remarkable strides in industrialisation, economic growth and social development.
“As Namibia strives towards its Vision 2030 and beyond, we must prioritise STEAM education amongst other priorities to equip our youth with the skills needed to compete on a global stage.”
Bohn said that in addition to celebrating the students’ current accomplishments, the Expo served as a rallying call for other institutions to support educational advancement and innovation, particularly in the STEAM field.
Ms Leonie Dunn, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Namibia, noted that, “The task of expanding STEAM education in Namibia cannot rest solely on the shoulders of one institution.
“With this, the Bank of Namibia extends a call to action to all stakeholders, government agencies, educational institutions, private sector partners and civil society, to join us in ensuring that STEAM education reaches every corner of our nation.
“Let us work together to create a pipeline of talented young minds.”
Since the inception of this programme, the Bank has successfully implemented STEAM education in eight secondary schools across different regions of the country, exposing a total number of 480 learners to these much-needed skills.
These areas are crucial for the advancement of modern industries.
The programme is expected to reach additional regions nationwide, further empowering the youth with the knowledge and tools they need for the future.
In the photo: The winning teams pictured with BoN and Education Ministry officials.
