ADPP Angola, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, NBA Africa and ExxonMobil, celebrated the conclusion of the third edition of the STEM Jr. NBA Project, a programme that promotes learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through an approach combining education and basketball.

This edition involved 30 schools, 254 teachers and approximately 12,600 students from the provinces of Luanda and Icolo e Bengo. Since its launch, the programme has reached more than 30,000 students and teachers in 40 schools.

During the ceremony, the Secretary of State for Secondary Education, Soraya Kalongela, highlighted the quality of the projects presented at the STEM Fair and the students’ ability to apply what they had learned in practice. She also emphasised that the partnership between the Government of Angola, the ExxonMobil Foundation, NBA Africa and ADPP Angola represents an investment in human capital and in preparing a new generation to contribute to the country’s development.

The Chair of the Board of ADPP Angola, Rikke Viholm, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to education that stimulates curiosity, encourages innovation and develops skills for the future through an approach combining science and sport.

ExxonMobil Angola General Manager Braun Unietis and NBA Africa Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Zeph Masote reinforced the importance of continued investment in Angola’s young people, highlighting the STEM Jr. NBA Project as a platform for developing knowledge, talent and opportunities for future generations.

The event included the STEM Jr. NBA League finals, the STEM Fair, the Inter-School STEM Grand Quiz and mentoring sessions with specialists. In the basketball competition, School 4015 "Portland Trail Blazers" won the boys’ title, while School 9019 "Denver Nuggets" won the girls’ competition.