JETS Fair 2025 Kicks Off in Northwestern Province with Strong STEM Focus
Mutanda Boarding School, Kalumbila District – June 18, 2025
In a determined push to foster innovation and cultivate future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Mutanda Boarding School is hosting the 2025 Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) Fair for Northwestern Province from June 16th to 20th.
Held under the theme "Promoting Innovation, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship: Accelerating STEM Growth and Development," the event has drawn participation from schools across the province, with students showcasing cutting-edge scientific projects and forward-thinking ideas aimed at solving real-world challenges.
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Ms. Jessy Khanta Kapasa, representative of the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC) and the Information and Communications University (ICU), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to youth innovation and academic excellence.
“As ZRDC and ICU, we are proud to sponsor all first-place winners in the senior category and innovation projects, amounting to a total of nine awards,” said Ms. Kapasa. “Each award holds equal value, demonstrating our belief in consistency and merit-based recognition.”
She added that ZRDC’s support extends beyond financial sponsorship, with exceptional projects set to receive further mentorship and technical assistance to advance their development.
Echoing this sentiment, Principal Education Standards Officer Mr. Patrick Kaonga urged schools to invest in student innovation.
“Look at Solwezi’s Provincial Education Office, the paved car park was a student project from the 2024 JETS Fair,” Mr. Kaonga revealed. “This is proof of the tangible impact these ideas can have. We must raise the bar this year, especially with projects from our Form One learners.”
He encouraged school administrators to include JETS activities in their budgets and prioritize them as part of school development strategies.
“These aren’t just classroom experiments, they’re solutions with real-world potential,” he said.
The fair was officially opened by Mr. Fredrick Mukini, Principal Education Officer, who called for the integration of STEM education into the mainstream curriculum.
“STEM is at the core of national development. From health and communication to transportation and food security, it shapes our lives,” Mr. Mukini noted. “We must no longer view JETS as an extracurricular activity, but as a critical component of educational delivery.”
The 2025 JETS Fair is expected to inspire a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers committed to Zambia’s growth and development.