Université de GOMA (UGOM) STEM Center

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo, a new beacon of hope emerges for students in the region—STEMpower’s first STEM Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), set to transform the lives of over 3,000 students.

The newly established facility, located at Université de GOMA (UGOM) in Mugunga, 13.5 km from the city center, is equipped with two fully functional STEM labs featuring computers, networking infrastructure, and electronic equipment. This initiative brings much-needed educational opportunities to an area deeply affected by the ongoing war, where students have faced disruptions in their studies and uncertainty about their futures.

Despite numerous challenges, the installation process was a success, thanks to the dedication of STEMpower staff from Rwanda and the unwavering support of teams from UGOM and the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI).

For many students, this center represents a turning point in their lives.

“This war has severely affected us, with some of us losing loved ones, suspending studies, and feeling uncertain about whether things will return to normal. It was a delight receiving the news of this center, and we have no doubt that the knowledge and skills we will gain here will open many new opportunities for us in the future,” said Buashe Timothe, a student at the University of Goma.

Prof. Jackson Sebigunda, a faculty member at the university, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of this initiative.

“The current difficult situation in this region, and the country in general, limits people’s access to opportunities available elsewhere. This new center will fill that gap by equipping students, teachers, and the surrounding community with essential knowledge and skills in computer science and electronics,” he explained, expressing gratitude to STEMpower and the Eastern Congo Initiative for their support.

John Mpakaniye, Community Impact Manager at the Eastern Congo Initiative, which played a pivotal role in establishing the center, also welcomed this development.

“STEMpower is our strategic partner, and we are here to celebrate the opening of this facility. This aligns with our core mission of women empowerment and economic development because many people will use this facility to develop projects that will benefit the entire community economically,” he stated.

Through our ever-growing network of non-political and non-ethnic STEM centers, currently at 135, STEMpower is reviving the academic and professional dreams of young people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This STEM Center has been installed in partnership with smartAID and DHL. Through this partnership, STEMpower continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering youth within their communities.

Please support STEMpower's actualizing a brighter future for young African minds.