SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PROF. ADOLF MKENDA, REPRESENTED BY PROF BRUNO SUNGUYA

AT THE 13th YOUNG SCIENTISTS TANZANIA AWARDS CEREMONY ON 5TH DECEMBER 2023 AT DAR ES SALAAM SERENA HOTEL

Welcome to Young Scientists Tanzania 2023 awards ceremony

Thirteen years on, YST has successfully expanded to all regions in Tanzania, and the YST Science for Development Programme continues to thrive. This year, an unprecedented number of projects have been submitted by numerous schools. The science projects received rigorous mentoring by YST science advisors, as well as teachers within each respective school. Our young students have continuously strived to find solutions to the challenges they face in their daily lives, as well as those encountered by the global community.

The YST method deserves applause, as it has demonstrated its effectiveness for over a decade as an innovative and exciting approach to encourage students to explore ideas, generate solutions, and invent new concepts, ultimately working towards building a better future.

The projects presented and awarded at YST2023 represent the culmination of extensive research and development undertaken by students throughout Tanzania. These projects offer captivating insights into the world around us, showcasing the remarkable talent and potential that exists within our country. Through their critical thinking, curiosity, and unwavering commitment, these students have breathed life into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, extending their impact beyond the confines of the classroom. It is important to acknowledge that the achievements we celebrate today would not have been possible without the substantial investments made by our government in secondary schools, particularly in enhancing the learning environment, including the development of well-equipped science laboratories. This commitment by our government underscores the importance of continually improving both the physical infrastructure and human resources in schools, ensuring that our education system remains on a trajectory toward even brighter outcomes in the future.

Organizations like YST play a pivotal role in complementing the significant efforts made by our government to provide an invaluable platform within the secondary school system in Tanzania for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.), which are fundamental and critical subjects crucial for progress in our economy and society. These subjects form the bedrock of a knowledge-based economy and are essential for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal development. Therefore, it becomes imperative for more stakeholders to step forward and undertake similar initiatives to support the commendable efforts made by our government in fostering a science and technology-driven economy.

By collectively supporting and empowering young people in secondary schools, we can nurture their talents, inspire their curiosity, and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in S.T.E.M. fields. This collaborative approach will not only benefit the individual students but also contribute to the overall advancement and prosperity of our nation.

I am delighted to express my gratitude to the like-minded organizations, sponsors, and partners who are collaboratively working with Young Scientists Tanzania towards the shared objective of Science for Development. In particular, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, represented by COSTECH and the Karimjee Foundation. Their support and dedication have played a crucial role in enabling us to achieve our goals. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions and support from Concern Worldwide, the Institute of Physics, Exim Bank, Shell Tanzania, Speedy Print, and all other supporters. Their commitment to our cause has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young scientists and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation in Tanzania. It is through these collaborative efforts and partnerships that we can continue to make significant strides in promoting science and development in our country. The collective support and engagement of these organizations and individuals are essential in empowering our youth and driving positive change for the betterment of society.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated YST team and board members for their unwavering commitment and hard work in bringing the YST2023 Awards Ceremony to fruition. Their passion and dedication have made this event possible.

A special thanks goes out to the judges, whose expertise and discernment have played a vital role in evaluating the projects and selecting the deserving winners. Their valuable contributions have ensured the integrity and fairness of the awards process.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the teachers and parents who have been instrumental in guiding and supporting the students throughout their scientific journey. Your unwavering encouragement and guidance have played a crucial role in nurturing their interest and passion for science.

And last but certainly not least, I would like to commend and applaud the students themselves for their hard work, creativity, and determination. Your innovative projects and unwavering dedication are truly inspiring. You are the driving force behind the Young Scientists Tanzania initiative, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make remarkable contributions to the scientific community and the development of our nation.

To all participants and attendees, I hope that the YST2023 Awards Ceremony serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for our next generation of young scientists in Tanzania. May this event ignite a spark within you and encourage you to explore the vast possibilities in science. Enjoy the awards ceremony and congratulations to all participants of YST2023 exhibition and awards ceremony.

Asante sana.