Robotics workshop in Mwanza: Renewable energy

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MWANZA e.V. is pleased to present the fifth Robotics Workshop in Mwanza. The event took place from 09 to 14 September 2024 at the Gunzerthaus in Mwanza. Once again, the children were enthusiastic about the technology and the possibilities it offers. The workshop aimed to provide participants with basic skills in programming, engineering and maths, with a focus on renewable energy.

       

Thanks to the generous support of WÜPAKA, we were able to realise this workshop. It was organised by MITzKITS, a social, Tanzanian edutech start-up in Mwanza. Their focus is on organising programming and robotics workshops and developing simple, entertaining experiment sets for scientific topics.

We are convinced that this workshop will not only expand the participants’ technical knowledge, but also enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills while understanding the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future.

Workshop programme:

As part of the workshop, children will be immersed in the fascinating world of energy. They learn about the different forms of energy such as kinetic, potential, thermal and chemical energy and are given an introduction to renewable energy. Through exciting, interactive experiments, the children learn how sustainable energy sources such as sun, wind and water work. In addition, the importance of saving energy is emphasised and practical tips for efficient energy use at home are provided.

         

As part of practical projects, the children have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge. They build simple electrical circuits, enabling them to understand the basics of electricity and energy transmission. Another project involves the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa: a motor is powered by a battery, and electrical energy is generated when the motor is in dynamo mode. The children also build a salt battery to illustrate the electrochemical storage of energy. Finally, they construct a power bank to store energy, which gives them a practical understanding of the use of energy in their everyday lives.

     

The students are also introduced to the world of solar energy. They learn how sunlight is converted into electrical energy and make their own small solar panels. They measure the voltage generated when making a simple solar panel with LEDs and connect several solar cells together to form a functional solar panel that serves as a charging station.

Another focus is on the practical application of solar energy, where students learn how direct current is converted to alternating current and the basics of microcontroller programming. They build a small inverter project to understand the integration of renewable energy into everyday life and learn how programming and electronics work together.

        

The highlight of the workshop is the construction of solar-powered cars, in which the children recognise the importance of renewable technologies and experience their potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. They plan and design the car chassis, integrate the electronic components and programme the control system. At the end of the workshop, the children have the opportunity to proudly present their solar-powered cars and the other projects to their parents. This final presentation allows them to share their newly acquired knowledge and reflect on their experiences while recognising the importance of renewable energy and its application in practice.

When children learn how to design and programme robots, they develop an understanding of technical challenges and learn to find innovative solutions. This innovative power is crucial for the development of new products and services that meet the needs of society. In a country like Tanzania, which is in a constant process of development, it is important that the young generation is able to develop creative approaches to solving problems.

We would like to thank all our supporters and look forward to further successful events!

We rely on your support to continue and expand this valuable initiative. Together we can promote enthusiasm for science and technology and offer even more children and young people the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. Your help is crucial to realising our vision of an inspiring and educational future.

Donate – MWANZA e.V.

or
Robotik- und Programmier- Workshops in Mwanza – M.W.A.N.Z.A. e.V. – betterplace.org

 

ZOOM – Experiences with racism and colonialism in city/twinning relationships

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On March 22nd at 7 p.m. (Tanzanian time) there will be a Zoom conversation with actors from

Mwanza and from  Würzburg, its  German twin city.

“Experiences with racism and colonialism in city/twinning relationships”

People from both cities report on this.

We asked people from Mwanza which experiences they have with racism or colonialism in Germany or their country:

  • Dr. George Mutalemwa, from St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT)
  • Joseph Senais, a Tanzanian PhD-student (University of Cottbus, World Heritage Studies)
  • Boniventura Toto, the director of a facility for the disabled,
  • Sr. Denise Mattle, a Franciscan nun who spent her entire life in Tanzania,
  • Deo Mrisho, a Tanzanian student currently studying in Schweinfurt,

We asked also people who have to do with the town twinning here:

  • Dominik Wershofen from the town twinning office Würzburg International,
  • possibly Helmut Stahl and Anunsiata, married here,
  • Thomas Barcatta, from the IT-dedicated public relations officer at MWANZA eV

— and of course all of you too.

We are looking forward to the exchange.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87506171674?pwd=XAQraiWMFfZeUfNiA8Bxa9HCF4lomo.1

Meeting ID: 875 0617 1674; Identification code: 776815

Intensiv Tennis Training Program

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Mitz Kits bootcamp lights up Mwanza Boma Gunzert house: Sparking passion for Science and Technology in Tanzania

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I walked up the hill to Mwanza Boma Gunzert House in the city center of Mwanza to find a remarkable scene. I saw enthusiastic children, surrounded by computers, wires, batteries, and various tools. The kids were deep in the process of creating.

Within the historical building from colonial times, an innovative STEM workshop program called MITz KITS boot camp was held from September 4 to 16. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Alongside the children, dedicated trainers guided and supported their every step. The air was filled with excitement and the sound of laughter, as these young minds explored the world of technology and unleashed their creativity.

The workshop was organized by MITzKITS, a Mwanza based start-up, and Thomas Barcatta from Mwanza eV in Wuerzburg, Mwanza’s German sister city. MITz Kits Boot camp is a unique STEM initiative that combines competence based theoretical education with practical application, providing children with the tools to apply their newfound knowledge in everyday life. The workshop usually runs during school holidays and participants are typically primary and secondary school students.

In a departure from the norm, this iteration of the boot camp was fully funded by generous sponsorship from WÜPAKA and Mwanza eV. This enabled a larger group of children to participate, turning the normally fee-based workshop into an inclusive educational haven. And “Dr Delphine Kessy from Gunzert House Foundation enabled this program by allowing the workshop to be conducted at Mwanza Boma Gunzert House for free”, Thomas Barcatta, the representative of Mwanza e.V. added.

The number of participants was limited to eighty. To secure their slot, participants were required to record videos of their projects on instagram, with the eighty videos receiving the most likes earning a spot in the boot camp, Wilson Richard, CEO of MITz Group explained.

Thomas Barcatta expressed his enthusiasm for inspiring young people: “In Tanzania, there are very few engineering students at universities. I am interested in inspiring young people to pursue STEM subjects”.

On the first day of Mitz Kits Boot Camp, the students delved into the world of electronics, learning about the basics, creating lemon batteries, and even making their own torches. The second day was all about electromagnetism and motor skills as they built frog robots. As the camp progressed, they were introduced to computers and programming on the third day. On the fourth day, they explored the fascinating world of sensor lights and microcontroller programming. And on the fifth day, the students took their skills to the next level by building a Bluetooth-controlled electric car.

It was a joy to witness their enthusiasm as the kids engaged in racing games, exclaiming with excitement. “I do , I understand! I have learned how to make frog robots, torches and I am happy to meet new friend from different schools”, an elated student from Mihama primary school shared. Some had even loftier expectations. Peter, a form six student, confessed, “I was hoping for something big, I am glad and have learned a lot”.

MITz Kits is on a mission to foster creativity, innovation, and curiosity in STEM among students. They aim to create an environment that inspires young minds through their portable STEM kits and maker programs. Their vision is to revolutionize education by incorporating modern teaching and learning tools that enhance competency-based learning. It’s exciting to see how MITz Kits is making STEM education more engaging and accessible for students. Wilson Richard, the CEO of MITz Group, expressed his vision for the program, stating that the children “should love STEM, understand it and succeed”.

The MITz Kits boot camp at Mwanza Boma Gunzert House showcased the potential that such STEM initiatives have in shaping the future of Tanzania. The organizers MITz Kits and Thomas Barcatta and also the program funders WÜPAKA and Mwanza eV have left a lasting impression on the young minds that participated.

As we reflect on the success of this event, the call for more support resonates loud and clear. The future lies in the hands of these young innovators, and with continued backing, their potential is limitless. As the saying goes,” To reach a child is to reach a nation”.

By Mariam Gichan

MWANZA, TANZANIA.

Expert discussion with people from Mwanza about culture, history and tribal affiliation on April 28th at 6 p.m. Tanzanian time.

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M.W.A.N.Z.A. e.V. lädt ein / invites to:

via Zoom:

Die Sukuma und ihr kulturelles Erbe
The Wasukuma and their Cultural Legacy

Referent:innen / Speakers:

Ramona Seitz
Journalist
Introduction

Chief Itale
Sukuma Chief of Bujashi and Chairperson of the Reunion of Sukumaland Chiefs
Ancestor Remains: The quest for the scull of Chief Chenge

Richard Bulluma
Sukuma Museum Bujora
The Wasukuma and German Colonial Rule

Dr. Dominicus Makukula
African Art Historian, UDSM
The Sukuma Collections

28. April 17 Uhr MESZ
April 28, 18 hrs EAT

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83221768936?pwd=SnkyQlNLa0t3Ry9UbnBDak5FZjhvdz09

    Meeting-ID: 832 2176 8936; Kenncode: 617012

    Warm invitation to this interculturally significant meeting! It will take place in English.

    Meeting of the WhatsApp-Group „Friends of Mwanza and Würzburg“

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    PERSONS WITH ALBINISM IN TANZANIA

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    Zoom-Meeting:
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84645588645?pwd=Q3BWVGg5VE1tMzFzL1pySWFiU1puQT09 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84645588645?pwd=Q3BWVGg5VE1tMzFzL1pySWFiU1puQT09
    Meeting-ID: 846 4558 8645
    Kenncode: 736161

    School bus for handicapped children to the Elementary School

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    In 2022 we succeeded to organize the funding of a dalla dalla for Huruma. Half of the money has been given by Partnerkaffee e.V., who donated 6.000,00 € – applied by MWANZA eV. The same sum has been added for this used little bus by Mwanza Sports Charity. Now the transport is made sure for the 40 or so pupils to visit the school. It is a drop of bitterness, however, that the parents have to pay now for the transport.

    UZIMA CENTRE OVC PROGRAM 2022 ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY M.W.A.N.Z.A.e.v.

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    The Saturday Program is the foundation of our OVC services. The children come once a month for educational and recreational activities. This year we realized that the reading level of these children is very low. We have children in Standard 3 who can not read or write. In response to this we used the Saturday Programs to do literacy activities with the children. They can now all write their names. They each received a notebook to use to practice at home.

    two of the boys doing a word search puzzle for the first time.
    UzimaCentreOVCProgram2022_04
    UzimaCentreOVCProgram2022_03

    With the funding from M.W.A.N.Z.A.e.v. we were also able to provide them with a nutritious lunch of beans, rice, green vegetables and fruit. I’m sure that for some of the children this is their favorite part of the program.

    We received a donation of Legos which the children were fascinated with. They worked together in groups to build whatever they wanted. Houses were a popular choice. Through these recreational activities we try to promote creativity, problem solving and working together as a team.

    The children in Standard 5-7 often are given activities that include small group discussions. They must choose a secretary for their group and a presenter who will share with the larger group. Through these activities we hope to build their self-confidence and to develop leadership skills that will benefit them in other areas of their lives.  By providing the children with a strong foundation during Primary School they have a better chance for success in Secondary School and beyond.

    On behalf of everyone at Uzima Centre we want to thank M.W.A.N.Z.A.e.v. for supporting our OVC Program.
    Sincerely, Joanne Miya  – DIrector

    Würzburg’s twin city Mwanza – up close in conversation

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    People with albinism and impressions of a nurse

    For the fourth time, the MWANZA association invites you to a Zoom discussion with partners from Mwanza. On Monday, June 21st at 6 p.m. (TZ time), various actors from Mwanza will be heard in German and English: Judith Steigerwald, a nurse who has been in Mwanza for four weeks and who will stay for a whole year to help set up an endoscopy unit, will report on her first experiences. The M.W.A.N.Z.A. is helping to finance this mission of the Medical Mission Institute.

    Ramona Seitz, member of the M.W.A.N.Z.A. e.V. and freelance journalist will report on her long-term research on albinism in Tanzania and ask Vicky Ntetema, a human rights activist, and Charmaigne Zainab, the secretary of CBO Color Mwanza, about the current situation about people with albinism. In addition, music projects will be presented and a comic novel as well, which should help to reduce the prejudices of black people in Tanzania against white albinos. Government policy is setting a good example.

    Boniventura Toto, the director of HURUMA, an elementary school for children with handicaps, reported about the colourful life of his students and the longtime sponsoring by M.W.A.N.Z.A. e.V.

    Other knowledgeable people are present during the conversation and can bring in other aspects.

    You can find the link for this on www.mwanza.de on the home page.

    About the photo: The picture shows a boy in the Mitindo elementary school. Source: Ramona Seitz.

    Kind regards Michael Stolz, Chairman of the M.W.A.N.Z.A. e.V.

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6990740759?pwd=dTZERmlpNVZXbzhLaTZHejJwZVlLdz09
    Meeting-ID: 699 074 0759 Kenncode: 209117