Empowering Girls in STEM: Zimbabwe Flying Labs at Maranatha Adventist School

By Zimbabwe Flying Labs

On September 16, 2025, Zimbabwe Flying Labs had the privilege of participating in a transformative event at Maranatha Adventist School, Bulawayo. Hosted by Girl Up Zimbabwe, a UN Initiative, the program was dedicated to empowering young girls to embrace futures in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The day began with a dynamic panel discussion featuring inspiring women from diverse professional backgrounds: a medical doctor, an engineer, an AI enthusiast, and a software developer. Their stories of resilience, challenges, and triumphs painted a vivid picture of what is possible for young girls in STEM.

Each narrative emphasized a central message: the future of science and technology is inclusive, and there is a place for every girl with curiosity and determination.

During the introductions, our team shared the mission of Zimbabwe Flying Labs and highlighted our role in advancing drone technology across the country. We underscored how drones are not just tools for exploration and innovation but also gateways to future-ready careers.

To bring this to life, participants broke into small group discussions where they explored:

• The scope of our Precision Drone Training programs
• Career opportunities in the drone and robotics industries
• Real-life stories, including Thabani’s journey as a student pilot, which resonated deeply with learners

The highlight of the day was a drone demonstration using Tello drones. Despite challenging windy conditions which caused several mid-air crashes, the excitement in the room was unmistakable.

Our team showcased fundamental maneuvers such as:

• Forward and backward flight
• Ascending and descending
• Rotations
• Precision landings (on the ground and by hand)

Although students could not pilot the drones themselves for safety reasons, their enthusiasm and curiosity soared as they envisioned themselves mastering the technology in the future.

From our perspective, the event stood out for three reasons:

1. High engagement: The energy and excitement from students demonstrated a clear appetite for STEM learning.
2. Relatable storytelling: Personal experiences, like Thabani’s journey, made the field of drone technology feel tangible and achievable.
3. Strong partnerships: The collaboration with Girl Up and other stakeholders reinforced the collective commitment to creating opportunities for girls.

By the close of the event, it was evident that this initiative left a lasting impression on participants. Zimbabwe Flying Labs not only inspired the next generation of innovators but also showcased how drone technology can spark curiosity and unlock new career paths for young women in Zimbabwe.

We remain committed to empowering youth through technology and look forward to more opportunities to nurture the next wave of STEM leaders.