MUST students take digital literacy to Matapwata
Posted By
James MphandePosted on
6th Oct, 2025
On October 3, a team of five students from MUST, in collaboration with the Design Studio, conducted an outreach program at Matapwata Secondary School in Thyolo.
The outreach aimed to promote digital literacy through STEM education among Form 4 learners who will soon be applying for admission into various universities after their MSCE.
The outreach, conducted by Hildah Kalino, Sphiwe Banda, Precious Manda, Jessica Hara and Cedrick Mmangisa, and led by Mr Nelson Mwenifumbo of the Design Studio, focused on hands-on sessions in Arduino programming and basic electronics.
The students introduced the learners to fundamentals of coding, circuitry, and how electronic components can be programmed to perform real-world tasks.
Speaking during the session, Banda said the activity was inspired by a desire to spark curiosity in technology among young learners.
“We wanted to show that innovation can start anywhere, even with simple tools like Arduino. Once students realize they can build and control things themselves, their confidence grows,” she said.
On his part, Mwenifumbo, who leads the Design Studio, commended the students for their initiative, saying such engagements reflect the university’s commitment to community-centred innovation.
“At MUST, we believe knowledge should be shared. These outreach programs allow our students to apply what they learn and inspire others to explore science and technology,” he said.
The visit left a lasting impression on the Matapwata students, most of whom experienced programming and electronics for the first time.
Through this initiative, the team continues to embody MUST’s vision of advancing science, technology, and innovation for community development by taking knowledge beyond the lecture room and into the hearts of local communities.
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