IMELDA AMBONDO
A Namibia Ndaudika Mulundileni has won the UNESCO –Al Fozan International Prize in STEM Education.
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fosters collaboration, advancement and popularization of science and international cooperation to advance scientific expertise globally and meet the needs of young scientists in countries that are lagging behind in science and technology.
His mission to bring STEM to underrepresented communities in Namibia is opening doors for future innovators and transforming education through sustainable learning.
Mulundileni said his childhood curiosity about technology sparked a lifelong question and allowed him to find solutions to community problems.
“Why do Africans consume technology but rarely create it?,” he said in the video released by UNESCO.
Mulundileni said he is on a mission to expose Namibian children to the world of robotics, coding, and 3D printing.
“I want to show kids that science isn’t just about grades, it’s about using knowledge to create something useful for society,” he said.
His work extends beyond Windhoek to rural areas, where children often have never touched a computer.
“We bring STEM kits and laptops to remote schools, where there are no resources. For many, it’s their first exposure to technology.” Mulundileni said
He believes in making learning fun and practical. “The goal is for children to actively participate in their education, not just memorize facts. When they do, they can apply STEM to solve real world problems.” he said.
For Ndawodika, the future of Africa lies in its children. “Every child can be an innovator. With the right exposure to STEM, they can tackle global challenges.” he added.
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