SLT-MOBITEL as the National ICT Solutions Provider is strengthening its commitment to foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, providing accessible and equal opportunities to all, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently with the STEMUP Educational Foundation.

The STEMUP Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire and engage students to become interested in pursuing STEM degrees and careers. The agreement was inked between signatories, Prabhath Dahanayake, Group Chief Marketing Officer SLT-MOBITEL (GCMO),. and Prabhath Mannaperuma, Chairman, STEMUP Educational Foundation.

The SLT-MOBITEL and the STEMUP Educational Foundation collaboration aims to expand STEM learning opportunities across the country and contribute towards a more advanced national economy driven by technological innovations. The MOU also seeks to uplift the ICT landscape of Sri Lanka and raise public awareness on a sustainable and long-term agenda, ultimately driving the national economy.

Through the agreement, SLT-MOBITEL and the STEMUP Educational Foundation will conduct the ‘CoderDojo’ skill development programmes. The ‘CoderDojo@SLT’ Coding is on based on STEM education, emphasizing critical thinking capabilities; creativity; collaboration, and communication. Students under these skill development programmes will be encouraged to pursue their own research problems and solutions from different perspectives.

Importantly, the ‘CoderDojo @ SLT’ programme will intensively focus on advancing STEM education driven society, primarily led by youth. It is believed, the programme will serve to fill the gap between skills and ICT demands of the nation which is an imperative challenge to be overcome to transform the country to a SMART Sri Lanka.

The ‘CoderDojo@SLT’ will be conducted at the SLT’s Training Centers located at Welisara, Moratuwa, and Peradeniya. All programs are free of charge and open to children and teenagers aged 11 to 16. Those who are interested can get more information from 011 0112956633.

Prabhath Dahanayake –GCMO , said, “We are committed to arm the younger generation with STEM education and skills as it is vital component to transform Sri Lanka into a knowledge-based smart economy. Our objective is to inspire, broaden horizons and increase strong interest in tech innovation, helping them navigate the digital space and empower their IT education. The SLT-MOBITEL and STEMUP Education Foundation programme collaboration will expand outreach on STEM, providing opportunities and ensuring the tech-savvy and change-resilient young people have the skills and mindsets needed to be competitive in the workplaces of the future.”