Interview with Sharon Zulu: From Passion for Teaching to Empowering Young Girls through STEM Education
About Be That Girl
Be That Girl is a Foundation that aims to empower adolescent girls and young women in low-income countries through education, mentorship, and life skills development. By partnering with NGOs such as Mothers Without Borders, we aim to support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them to become leaders and changemakers in their communities. The Be That Girl program, run by Mothers Without Borders, supports almost 400 young women with scholarships, mentoring and life skills to go through secondary and higher education.
About Mothers Without Borders
Mothers Without Borders has worked for over 20 years uplifting marginalized communities in Zambia. Its focus is on empowering vulnerable youth, particularly in the greater Lusaka area, helping them build brighter futures.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of technology education has never been more critical. Sharon Zulu, an alumna of the Be That Girl program, is passionate educator and advocate for STEM learning and has dedicated her career to bridging the digital divide in Zambia. With a background in Computer Science from Evelyn Hone College, Sharon’s journey from a young girl with a love for teaching to a leader in STEM education is truly inspiring.
In this interview, Sharon shares her personal story, the challenges she faced, and how the Be That Girl (BTG) program helped shape her path. From co-founding the Tiphunzile STEM Hub to leading the She Code Africa Lusaka Chapter and working as a Science Communication Officer at Genius Education Zambia, Sharon is on a mission to make technology accessible to all.
Sharon, it’s a pleasure to speak with you! Can you share your personal journey and how you first became involved with the Be That Girl (BTG) program?
My name is Sharon Zulu, and I studied Computer Science at Evelyn Hone College. Ever since I was young, I had a deep passion for teaching. I remember vividly standing behind my grandmother’s house, teaching my siblings as if we were in a real classroom. I always knew I wanted to do something related to education, but when my secondary school results didn’t allow me to pursue a career in health sciences, I had to rethink my path.
That’s when I discovered the Computer Science with Education course. I didn’t know much about computer science at the time, but my love for teaching was strong enough to push me forward, and I decided to give it a try.
During my studies, I found out about the Be That Girl (BTG) program through a close friend who’s now like a sister to me. We were university classmates, and she introduced me to BTG when I was doing my teaching practice. The program gave me crucial support—whether it was providing a place to stay or offering the emotional encouragement I needed at that time. BTG has truly shaped who I am today and continues to influence my journey.
What challenges did you encounter on your educational journey, and in what ways did the Be That Girl (BTG) program support you in overcoming those obstacles?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my studies was financial. Even though I was on a bursary, there were still costs that I had to cover, like lunch money and boarding fees. My parents, who worked tirelessly—my mother as an entrepreneur and my father as a plumber—couldn't always provide everything I needed. As the firstborn in my family, I also had certain responsibilities, which made it difficult to ask for more support.
That’s when BTG came into my life, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. BTG provided financial assistance during my teaching practice, but what truly made a difference was the sense of community they offered. I wasn’t going through it alone. The support and encouragement I received gave me the confidence and strength to keep going, even when things were tough.
How has being part of the BTG program impacted your life and contributed to your success today?
Before joining BTG, I had often heard about programs that aim to uplift people, but I never fully understood the real impact they could have. Being part of BTG completely changed my perspective. The mentors and speakers shared their personal journeys, and individuals like Jane Nakasamu, in particular, inspired me with their stories of success. Jane was one of the speakers at the conference, and she spoke about how she started Greenbelt Energy. It was truly inspiring to see a young lady establish a company focused on providing sustainable energy solutions and making such a significant impact.
BTG not only helped me advance in my career but also contributed to my intellectual and emotional growth. It awakened a deep sense of purpose in me—to uplift others in the same way I had been uplifted. That feeling has stayed with me and continues to influence everything I do today.
What inspired you to pursue a career in both Computer Science and Education?
My passion for teaching has always been there, but Computer Science was completely new to me. In fact, I had never even used a computer until I entered university. The schools I attended didn’t offer computer education, so I was unfamiliar with technology. But once I began my course, I quickly realized how rapidly the world was changing, with technology playing a crucial role in that evolution. I knew I couldn’t afford to be left behind.
What inspired me to keep going was the understanding that the world needs more educators who truly grasp technology. It wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about how I could use this knowledge to help others, especially young people, navigate and understand the digital world. That realization motivated me to push forward, knowing I could make a difference.
What drives your passion for the work you do at Genius Education Zambia, and how does your role as a Science Communication Officer align with your goals?
I am passionate about my work because someone gave me a chance through the BTG program, and now I want to give that same opportunity to others. I believe education is the key to a brighter future, especially for children from underprivileged backgrounds. At Genius Education Zambia, we focus on making STEM education accessible to all, and that mission perfectly aligns with my values.
I firmly believe that every child deserves the chance to understand technology, even if it’s as simple as learning how to write their name or use a computer. When I see a child grasp something new, it fills me with so much joy, knowing that I’m helping to shape their future and provide them with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
How do you see your work helping to bridge the digital divide and promote STEM education in Zambia, particularly for underserved communities?
Through my work, I am actively addressing the digital divide by ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has access to STEM education. A friend and I co-founded the Tiphunzile STEM Hub, where we use our resources and knowledge to bring STEM education to underserved communities.
In addition, as an ambassador for Tangible Africa, I have the privilege of teaching coding to young girls through interactive games. It's amazing to see how curious and engaged they become when they realize coding can be fun and accessible.
I also co-lead the She Code Africa Lusaka Chapter, which empowers women in technology, allowing me to contribute to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. Each of these roles enables me to make technology education more inclusive and inspire the next generation of innovators.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with young learners, especially in teaching them skills like coding and resilience?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the curiosity and excitement on the students' faces. I can never forget the look in their eyes when I first introduced them to coding through games—their eyes light up with enthusiasm, and when they achieve something, like passing a level, their smiles are absolutely priceless.
It’s in those moments, when a child realizes they can accomplish something new and challenging, that all the hard work becomes worth it. I love being able to give them hope and show them that they are capable of achieving great things.
Those small victories build their confidence, and knowing I’ve been a part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you feel about the future of education in Zambia, particularly with the growing importance of digital literacy and technology integration?
The future looks promising. The Zambian government and educational leaders are beginning to recognize the importance of integrating technology into education. I’m hopeful that, with the right policies in place, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
It’s crucial that we introduce children to technology at a young age so they don’t face the struggles I did—learning to use a computer for the first time at university. With the right foundation, these children will be far better equipped to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age.
If you could make one significant change to the education system, what would it be and why?
I believe the education system would greatly benefit from making computer science a compulsory subject. By providing every child with a foundational understanding of technology—starting with basic skills like the Microsoft Office suite—we can empower them to develop their own digital voice.
This approach would ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive in our increasingly technology-driven world.
What advice would you give to girls currently in the BTG program who are facing challenges similar to those you once encountered?
The road is never easy, but the challenges you face today will make you stronger. It’s essential to remember why you started this journey and hold tightly to the dream you have for yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people, like the mentors in the BTG program, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
You are part of the BTG program because you are strong and capable of overcoming any obstacle. Believe in yourself, and trust that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
What message would you like to share with BTG foundation about the real impact its contribution has had on the lives of girls like yourself?
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support has made an incredible difference in my life and in the lives of so many other girls. Because of you, I’ve been able to pursue my dreams, and now I’m helping others do the same.
Your contributions are changing lives, creating opportunities for girls to thrive, and empowering them to make a lasting impact in their communities.
What are your future goals, both in your career and in your mission to help more young Zambians gain access to digital education?
My goal is to establish my own foundation that focuses on bringing STEM education to underprivileged communities in Zambia. I want to reach children who lack access to essential learning resources, whether it’s basic literacy or advanced technology skills.
I envision a future where every child in Zambia, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to understand technology and is equipped with the tools to succeed in the digital world. Programs like BTG are paving the way, and I hope to continue that work by creating even more opportunities for young girls to thrive in STEM fields.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey or the impact of the BTG program?
I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to those who believed in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Having people recognize your potential and support you through challenges truly makes all the difference. To everyone who has been part of my journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your inspiring story and for the incredible work you’re doing to empower young learners and bridge the digital divide. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!