KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda has taken another step towards strengthening science and technology education after stakeholders validated five strategic documents designed to guide the country's future STEM learning programmes.

The frameworks are intended to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, with a focus on competency-based learning, infrastructure development, gender equality and innovation.

The validation process brought together education policymakers, curriculum specialists, teacher educators, school administrators, laboratory technicians, STEM teachers and development partners.

The three-day national workshop was convened by Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports in collaboration with UNESCO, with support from the Government of China.

The documents are expected to guide the development and implementation of more inclusive STEM programmes in schools.

The initiative comes as African countries seek to strengthen science and technology skills among young people to prepare them for changing labour markets and the growing digital economy.

UNESCO said the validation process marks an important step towards pilot implementation of the frameworks in Ugandan schools.

The success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the proposed policies are translated into improved classroom teaching, laboratory facilities and opportunities for learners across the country.