In a country where innovation is often hindered by limited resources, the story of Fuad Gebi, a fourth-grade student at Kilinto Primary School No. 2, stands as a remarkable testament to the power of curiosity and hands-on learning. At the 10th city-wide Science and Technology Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Fuad presented a fully functioning, child-friendly motorcycle, which he designed and built himself.
Fuad shared that his creative ideas stem from his habit of exploring objects by touching, disassembling, and reassembling them. He explained that what he sees on television and in his environment has inspired him to dream of building the kind of motorcycle he always wanted as a child.
The motorcycle, designed for children and easy to operate, is constructed from bent and twisted metal, powered by a dynamo, and equipped with a remote control. It can travel at 12 km/h and includes a lighting feature. One of its most innovative features is the remote control, which can stop the engine to prevent theft. An instruction manual has also been prepared for its use.
Fuad aspires to continue developing his creative projects, including building a car, and he hopes to become an engineer after completing his education.
Also at the exhibition, JossyTade, a ninth-grade student, showcased a machine that produces natural fertilizer within 24 hours. The device, constructed from discarded metal and wooden gears, reflects an invention he envisioned and brought to life at a young age.
Jossy explained that he uses decomposable waste products, including bones, as raw materials for the machine. Traditionally, preparing natural fertilizer takes several months, delaying its availability for agricultural use.
However, Jossy’s machine has overcome this challenge, producing 25 kilograms of fertilizer in just 24 hours, with potential to scale up to one ton. He credited the support of his father and teachers as crucial to the success of his innovation.
During the event, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abebie highlighted the importance of encouraging creativity from an early age in Ethiopia. She emphasized that schools serve as the foundation for innovation and that exhibitions like this foster creativity through healthy competition among students.
The exhibition showcased the tangible results of addressing weaknesses in the education system and nurturing a generation that is not only academically capable but also creatively driven.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 2 MAY 2025
