Independent (Minki Monicah Lekgabe)

As a prospective member of Catalyst Now, my vision is to utilize my extensive background in education reform and curriculum development to nurture a new generation of African innovators and problem-solvers, particularly through the strategic incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). I am currently an Education Officer at the Department of Curriculum within the Ministry of Education, and also serving as the Secretary for the General Education Curriculum and Assessment Framework (GECAF) committee, I have played a pivotal role in shaping educational policy and practice in Botswana. My recent efforts in restructuring GECAF to focus on STEAM reflect my conviction that a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to education is essential for empowering youth to tackle the intricate challenges that our continent and the world face. Botswana's ongoing reforms, as outlined in the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP), create an ideal environment for the implementation of innovative educational strategies that can serve as a benchmark for other African countries. My vision is in complete harmony with Catalyst Now's mission to connect social innovators who are committed to addressing human and environmental crises. I am convinced that by equipping youth with a STEAM-oriented perspective, we are not merely teaching subjects; we are fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities—key qualities for the social innovators that Catalyst Now aims to empower. My vision goes beyond mere curriculum development; it includes the establishment of sustainable ecosystems where these empowered youth can transform their ideas into practical solutions, thereby contributing to economic growth and societal well-being throughout Africa. My mission, therefore, is to actively contribute to the objectives of Catalyst Now by providing a grounded and practical understanding of educational systems and reform processes in Africa. I aim to facilitate the development and implementation of scalable STEAM initiatives that directly address the "growing human and environmental crisis" referenced in Catalyst Now's mission statement. I intend to collaborate with fellow members of Catalyst Now to design and execute programs that not only empower youth with STEAM skills but also connect them with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to apply these skills to real-world challenges. For example, I envision projects that employ STEAM principles to address issues such as climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and access to quality education and healthcare in underserved communities throughout Africa. My role would involve advocating for policy changes that promote innovation, fostering partnerships among educational institutions, industry, and civil society, and building capacity among educators to effectively deliver STEAM-focused curricula. Ultimately, my mission is to assist Catalyst Now in cultivating a vibrant network of African youth who are not merely beneficiaries of change but active agents of positive transformation, driving sustainable development and resilience across the continent. My commitment to empowering youth with a STEAM-oriented mindset is not just a professional pursuit but a deeply held personal conviction that aligns perfectly with Catalyst Now's urgent call for social innovation.