Luapula Launches 2025 JETS Fair Highlighting Youth Innovation and STEM with ZRDC Backing
KAWAMBWA, LUAPULA PROVINCE – The 2025 Luapula Provincial Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Fair officially opened at Kawambwa Provincial STEM School, following a postponement from its initial June 20th date. Despite the delay, excitement remains high as students, teachers, and stakeholders converge to celebrate youth-driven innovation and scientific talent.
Although the official opening ceremony which is now scheduled for Thursday, July 17 is coinciding with the event’s conclusion with activities already underway, Judges have begun assessing the first wave of projects, while learners present their innovations and participate in ongoing skills demonstrations that will wrap up during the final ceremony.
Held under the theme “Fostering Innovation and Creativity in STEM for a Sustainable Future,” the fair underscores the importance of equipping youth with scientific and technical problem-solving skills. A major supporter of this mission is the Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC), which serves as a key coordinating and implementation partner.
ZRDC representative Mrs. Keresiye Taranhike, speaking to ICU TV News, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through science and innovation. “We are proud to be part of this initiative,” she said, expressing confidence that Zambia’s future inventors are among the participating students.
She added that ZRDC, in collaboration with its sister partner the Information and Communications University (ICU)is offering selected students 100% university sponsorships and cash prizes.
Mrs. Taranhike also noted that ZRDC’s involvement goes beyond this fair. The organization is providing mentorship, research exposure, and extended scholarship opportunities for outstanding participants to support their growth beyond the event.
Deputy Regional Organizer Mr. Mophat Sichinga emphasized that the fair serves as a transformative platform rather than just a competition. “This is more than just showcasing projects; it’s about changing lives,” he said, highlighting the inclusion of practical disciplines such as fashion and tailoring, which are part of ZRDC’s broader technical empowerment programs.
Mr. Sichinga further acknowledged the Students active participation in both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences, that will contribute to a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and discovery.
Hosting head teacher Mr. Beston Musonda of Kawambwa Provincial STEM School expressed pride in welcoming participants from all 12 districts of Luapula Province, with each district sending over 70 students to a school that already accommodates 800 boarders. The large turnout has stretched resources, requiring some students to stay in nearby schools. However, Mr. Musonda commended the ZRDC and it's education partners for supporting practical solutions that have kept the fair running smoothly.
The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Education with support from ZRDC, ICU, and other stakeholders, features innovative student projects such as clean energy models, smart farming technologies, recycling systems, and water purification solutions.
These align with ZRDC’s vision of science-based approaches to sustainable development. As the fair advances toward Thursday’s combined opening and closing ceremony, many students remain hopeful some with dreams and ambitions to turn their innovations into tools for national progress.