ExxonMobil Supports STEM Education in Maputo

• Twelve schools will benefit from a robotics training program in Maputo City and Maputo Province
• Program launched in Ministry of Education and Human Development

MAPUTO, Mozambique – ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH) and the implementing partner Osuwela launched the ASTROBOT Robotics Education Program for secondary schools in Maputo City and Maputo Province.

The ASTROBOT STEM (science, technology, education and mathematics) program which ExxonMobil has supported since 2020, will continue to support the secondary schools of Josina Machel, Francisco Manyanga, Estrela Vermelha, Magoanine, Laulane and Noroeste 1 while adding to the roster the secondary schools of Matola, Machava, Liberdade, Força do Povo, Malhazine and Zona Verde. In total, the program will benefit 200 students and 36 teachers from 12 schools in the greater Maputo area.

The program, which trains teachers and students to assemble and perform numerous activities with the tools available in the robotics kit, develop strategies and program the robots, will culminate in an interscholastic robotic competition expected at the end of the school year.

“STEM education is a key pillar of ExxonMobil’s global community investment strategy and is critical to the development of Mozambique.” Said Jos Evens, General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada. “These initiatives provide opportunities and incentives for student retention and development at school.”

Noroeste 1, winners of the 2021 robotics interscholastic competition that saw six schools fiercely compete for the prize, received the schools trophy from the Deputy Minister of Education and Human Development during the event.

 “The government is proud to partner with responsible partners to deliver key initiatives that support the development of our youth.”  Said the Deputy Minister of Education and Human Development, Manuel Banzo during the launch of the program at the Ministry. “This program will promote the development of problem solving skills which is a vital asset for the students’ personal development.”

Zeferino Martins, President of Osuwela said, "We are proud to expand the ASTROBOT project to the schools in Maputo and reach so many more students. Robotics is an open door for the professions of Science and Technology, fundamental for the development of our country.”

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. In Mozambique, ExxonMobil holds a 25 percent indirect interest in Area 4 and will lead the construction and operation of future natural gas liquefaction facilities. In addition, ExxonMobil was awarded the joint rights to negotiate the Angoche basin (A5-B) and the Zambezi Delta (Z5-C and Z5-D) concessions, as part of Mozambique’s fifth licensing round. Please visit: www.exxonmobil.co.mz or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExxonMobilMocambique

About Osuwela

OSUWELA means “knowledge” in Makua.

OSUWELA is a Mozambican NGO dedicated to promoting development through Science. It works in close collaboration with the Government and civil society, through projects to enhance the STEM areas – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –, knowledge transfer and multiplying scientific knowledge for the school audience and the community. OSUWELA's objective is to strengthen Science Education, both formal and non-formal, so that students - and the population in general - can look at Science in an interesting and important way, as well as apply scientific knowledge in everyday life and feel be able to follow the debate on scientific matters happening these days.

OSUWELA is aware of the importance of Women in Science, whose presence is less and less visible in Mozambique. To contribute to solving these problems, we develop activities that promote women's interest in Science, experimentation and the exploration of technology. The aim is to have more women in STEM courses and in jobs in science and engineering.