On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Kokebe Tsibah High School in Addis Ababa buzzed with excitement as we hosted a transformative STEM Career Fair under the STEEP (STEM Education for Empowerment Project) initiative. This event, meticulously planned and executed, brought together high school girls from grades 9 to 12, government representatives, industry leaders, and passionate educators to inspire the next generation of female STEM innovators. With a focus on breaking down gender biases and showcasing the vast opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the day was a resounding success.

The day kicked off at 9:00 AM with an official opening ceremony that set the tone for an inspiring experience. Neftalem Biniyam, the STEEP Project Manager, welcomed attendees with warmth and enthusiasm, outlining the vision behind the event. Following his remarks, a government representative from the Yeka Subcity Education Office delivered a heartfelt opening speech. He expressed amazement at the scale of the event, admitting, “I didn’t expect it to be this big!” He pledged continued government support for the STEEP initiative and shared exciting news: the promised high-end desktop computers had arrived and been installed across all four participating schools—Kokebe Tsibah, Dejazmach Wondirad, Menelik II, and Tesfa Birhan. The crowd erupted in applause, a testament to the tangible impact already being made.

Four Pillars of Engagement

The career fair was structured around four thematic areas, each designed to engage, educate, and empower the students. Here’s how the day unfolded across these pillars:

1. Awareness Creation and Addressing Misconceptions

The students began their journey in a small hall, diving into interactive sessions to dismantle gender biases and stereotypes about STEM. Activities like the “Fact or Myth?” Mythbusters Challenge had girls sorting through statements about STEM and gender, sparking lively discussions. Facilitators guided them as they matched STEM subjects to potential careers, and students jotted down their curiosities in the I want to learn more about… box. This session was a powerful start, building confidence and challenging preconceived notions.

2. Inspire: Celebrating Role Models

Next, the students gathered in the school auditorium for the Inspire session. A captivating video collage showcased the achievements of Ethiopian and African women in STEM—scientists, engineers, and tech pioneers who defied the odds. The girls also received printed cards featuring these role models’ stories, which they could take home as keepsakes. On the Dream Wall, students wrote their aspirations, from I want to design rockets to I aspire to code life-changing apps. The energy in the room was electric as they saw their dreams reflected in real-life success stories.

3. Engage: Hands-On STEM Exploration

The action moved outdoors to the school field, where the Engage section brought STEM to life. Students rotated through hands-on demonstrations across four subject areas: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and ICT. They solved Rubik’s cubes and played Sudoku to flex their math skills, watched mesmerizing chemical reaction videos while exploring everyday products like toothpaste and medicine, built paper tables and rocket models to grasp physics concepts, and peeked inside an open CPU to understand ICT. Tutors and presenters shared real-world examples—like how STEM drives innovation in medicine and space exploration—making the subjects relatable and exciting.

Chewata Awaqi’s games, including Gebeta and Ring Toss, added a fun twist, testing spatial awareness and mathematical reasoning. The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) stole the show with their telescopes, letting students gaze at the sky and ask questions about the universe. The blend of fun and education created an atmosphere where learning felt effortless and inspiring. Even the exhibitors couldn’t resist joining in, asking their own questions about space and marveling at the students’ enthusiasm.

4. Career Opportunities: Connecting with the Future

The final stop was the Career Fair, where companies set up booths to showcase STEM opportunities. Grade 11 and 12 students, nearing critical education and career decisions, eagerly interacted with exhibitors. Organizations specializing in STEM, education, and disability inclusion shared insights into their work, internship opportunities, and pathways to employment. Young female professionals from these companies became instant role models, answering questions and debunking myths about women in STEM. How can I join your company? was a common refrain, met with encouragement and practical advice.

The sense of accomplishment was palpable as the event wrapped up at 12:30 PM. The closing ceremony included group photos and a post-event networking opportunity, capturing the day’s impact. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the companies that honored our invitation, the Yeka Subcity Education Office for their support, and our dedicated STEEP team and ushers who brought the vision to life. Special appreciation goes to our funding partners, Global Affairs Canada and The Barrett Family Foundation.