Road to 10,000 Young Innovators: Zimbabwe Flying Labs’ Outreach in Bulawayo

By Zimbabwe Flying Labs

Zimbabwe Flying Labs’ mission has always been to empower local communities through the potential of drone, robotics, and AI technology. As part of this journey, we’ve committed to reaching 10,000 young learners by 2026, sparking curiosity, innovation, and a passion for STEM across Zimbabwe.

Our recent outreach in Bulawayo marks another step toward this ambitious goal. Partnering with Petra College, we conducted two interactive sessions for Grade 5 – 7 learners from four local schools, immersing them in the world of drones and aviation.

We conducted the outreach program in two sessions. 

Hosted at Petra Primary School, the first session engaged 39 young learners (12 girls and 27 boys). The program kicked off with an introduction to drone technology, its components, and diverse applications—from agriculture to disaster management. The students were thrilled to witness automated drone flights and participated in practical activities, learning how to execute basic to advanced drone maneuvers. The session culminated in a lively drone race that left the students eager to explore careers in the drone industry.

The second session, held at Petra High School, brought together 25 learners from surrounding schools. Hosted by the ICT department, this session focused on hands-on interaction with drones and technology. Highlights included 3D-printed drone frames and an introduction to 3D modeling software, which captured the students’ imaginations and inspired discussions on designing drones from scratch.

The Steady Progress of ZFL Outreach

This program in Bulawayo builds on the successes of previous Zimbabwe Flying Labs initiatives. From introducing drones in Masvingo to empowering girls in STEM workshops in Harare, each event strengthens our resolve to make technology education accessible to all.

Through these programs, we’ve observed the impact of providing young learners with hands-on opportunities to engage with technology. Many students have expressed an interest in pursuing STEM careers, proving the effectiveness of these initiatives in sparking innovation.

Special thanks to Petra Jnr School and Petra College Snr for being the forerunner for this experience.

The Road to 10,000 Learners

With every outreach program, we’re one step closer to our goal of inspiring 10,000 young minds. Each event is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the curiosity it ignites.

If you’re as passionate about empowering the next generation as we are, join us in this journey! Explore our website to learn more about our programs, explore partnership opportunities, and see how you can support our mission.

Together, we’re not just teaching kids about drones—we’re shaping the innovators, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow.