CAMFED Board chairperson Evangelist Esther Banda Sinkala said investing in science and technology education for girls is investing in the health of children, their mothers and the nation at large, while technological tools make communication easier and open up horizons for educational research.
Evangelist Sinkala noted with displeasure that despite improvements in modern medicine, children under the age of five in Zambia still die from malaria, diarrhoea and vaccine diseases thus serves the need for science to be included in education for girls.
"Child and maternal mortality are sensitive indicators of a country's development and we are as camfed believe that when we invest in science education for girls, we can curb many diseases which afflict Zambian children", she said.
She was speaking this during the Girls Science and technology camp held at Ndola Girls Technical High School in Ndola whose theme was" Science and Technology for Girls: A Life Changing Imperative.
"Evangelist Sinkala also said that when basic technology tools like mobile phones and PCs are given to girls and women especially in the rural areas can improve many aspects of their lives,she said.
She further said that once girls are exposed to science and technology subjects and offered remedial work they can perform well and qualify to institutions of higher learning.
Presenting science as a way of life through quizzes, games and motivating learning methods would simplify science and make it more enjoyable unlike the current scenario where both teachers and pupils are made to believe that science related subjects are too difficult for girls, she said.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr John Phiri said it is science and technology that will change the lives and opportunities for girls.
Dr Phiri said government is aware of the disparities prevailing regarding the performance of learners in science related subjects between girls and boys.
He said educating girls and women is the most effective investment for achieving long term health benefits for the nation, saving the lives of mothers and babies.
The minister said equal gender representation will only happen if girls participate effectively and equitably in education including science and mathematics.
"There will be more training of more teachers' especially female teachers in the fields of science, mathematics and technology for both primary and secondary schools", he said.
He further said that when girls are placed in an enabling and learner friendly environment, they are able to compete favourably and even outperform boys in science and technological subjects.
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