The 32nd Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) conference was officially opened on the 16th January 2023, at IUM Dorado campus by Hon. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
The conference which is expected to last until the 18th January is being attended by more than 350 delegates from SADC, the USA, India, Australia, and Europe as well as, from different regions of Namibia. Welcoming the delegates Prof. Osmund D. Mwandemele, the Vice Chancellor of the international University of Management (IUM) highlighted that “As we embarking on the intellectual journey, let us foster collaboration, share insights, and inspire one another to elevate the standards of education in our region and beyond”. He further laid emphasis on the importance of shaping the future of teaching and learning and how mathematics, science and technology can help propel and promote socio-economic development of the people of our region and beyond.
Officially opening the 32nd SAARMSTE Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah , applauded the International University of Management (IUM), for being the seat of SAARMSTE Conference 2024 and the collaboration among IUM, UNAM, NSRST and NUST to make the conference a success.
Hon. Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the conference to come up with resolutions that will make meaningful contribution to the development of our region. The 4th industrial revolution, she said “demands a workforce that is not only proficient in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, but also capable of adapting to rapid changes and technological innovations. Our research efforts must focus on developing new academic methods, integrating technology into our curricula, and addressing the disparities in access to STEM education. We need focused research with a deep understanding of our communities, historically and traditionally in order to address the real problems and achieve the intended goals in our developmental agenda.’’