Mastercard’s signature science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program, Girls4Tech, has officially reached its initial goal of educating one million girls worldwide. The program has a new and inspiring ambition to reach five million girls by 2025. In the Middle East and Africa, Mastercard will be rolling out the signature program to new markets, including Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
In Morocco, and for the first time ever in the Middle East and Africa region, the Girls4Tech program was launched during a digital session with Jeanne d’Arc International School Casablanca. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shift away from the traditional classroom, causing a global surge in online learning as teaching is undertaken through digital platforms.
Launched in 2014, Girls4Tech offers activities and a curriculum built on global science and math standards. It incorporates Mastercard’s deep expertise in technology and innovation, enabling students to discover a range of STEM careers such as fraud detective, data scientist and software engineer.
“We’re delighted to bring our flagship STEM program to Morocco for the first time in a unique digital format. Our goal is to help young girls develop STEM knowledge and learn crucial life skills that are pertinent to their future studies and careers. This is why Girls4Tech aims to ignite their curiosity and teach them how to apply these subject skills in the real world,” said Mohamed Benomar, Country Manager, North Africa, Mastercard.
“We look forward to enabling more girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, as we strive towards improved gender parity across the country,” he added.
Starting as a hands-on, in-person session run by employee volunteers, the program has expanded into new topics such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and enhanced access to its STEM curriculum through a digital learning experience, Girls4Tech Connect, which has been translated into eight languages including Arabic and French.
“At Jeanne d’Arc International School Casablanca, we place a huge importance on technology and STEM subjects. The Girls4Tech program allows students to learn about these subjects through interactive and engaging digital tools that are easily accessed and simple to use. We look forward to encouraging more of our female students to learn about the diverse range of future careers they can follow through STEM subjects,” said Ahmed Guessous, School Principal at Jeanne d’Arc International School, Casablanca.
