At the University of Ghana in December, 40 innovative teen girls from across Africa built renewable energy devices that use solar, hydro, and wind power to generate electricity during a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camp. Under the theme “Renewable Energy and Robotics for Sustainable Development,” the Accra STEM Camp aimed to get girls between 13-18 interested in STEM while teaching them all about renewable energy, according to Graphic Online. 

During the eight days they spent at the camp, organized by the Visiola Foundation with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and GSR, the girls had fun learning all about renewable energy and the science behind it. 

Hailing from Ghana, Ethiopia, Togo, Nigeria, and Rwanda, the girls used their new STEM skills to invent devices from scrap materials that can help their communities, All Africa reported. Their inventions included washing machines, a robotic pedestrian crossing, a road sweeper, a conveyer belt, an indoor cooling system, and a ventilator that used both solar and electricity.

At the closing ceremony, the teens got to show off their prototypes, for which they took home certificates and prizes. The girls also learned about women’s health and how to be strong and successful at work, according to Graphic Online.

With the International Energy Agency reporting that renewable energy could represent up to half of sub-Saharan Africa’s power generation growth by 2040, equipping African girls with these skills can help take the continent a step closer to meeting its energy goals. It can also help fill a stubborn gender gap in STEM that persists not only in Africa but across the entire world, largely due to stereotypes and educational barriers that girls experience in science and technology. 

Working with Wind Energy

This IEEE TryEngineering lesson plan focuses on how wind energy can be generated on both a large and small scale. Student teams design and build a working wind turbine out of everyday materials that can lift a teabag in one minute or less. Access it today.