Mastercard has announced the African launch of its Girls4Tech programme. The first school to take part was Sandtonview Primary School, in Johannesburg, last week.
Girls4Tech aims to drive interest in and awareness of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) studies and careers among primary school girls aged 10, 11 and 12.
Since its launch in April 2014 in the US, Girls4Tech has reached 30 000 girls and engaged over 1 700 employees in 17 countries.
In SA, the payments tech company hopes to reach 270 primary school girls in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
"Global stats show 80% of jobs created in the next decade will require some combination of STEM skills. Yet only 30% of the science and technology workforce is currently comprised of women," says Anton van der Merwe, head of market development, Mastercard SA.
"With this programme, we aim to develop a strong pipeline of talent for the technology jobs of the future and encourage girls to embrace subjects that will prepare them for financially and intellectually satisfying roles in the workforce of tomorrow."
The programme consists of three stations dealing with algorithms, digital convergence and cryptology, each with real-world applications of classroom maths and science lessons.
"Our curriculum gives concrete examples of how we apply science and maths in a practical way in our business," says Van der Merwe.
"By providing real life and hands-on activities for each concept, the programme shows that being friendly, enthusiastic, mathematical, artistic, scientific, logical and even creative are all skills that connect to a STEM career."
From Sandtonview, the programme will move to Cape Town, going to John Graham Primary School and Vanguard Primary School this week.
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