By Yvonne Atilego.
Forty young girls who were part of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camp programme in Accra have resolved to harness their potential by developing problem solving initiatives through technology.
The STEM camp which lasted for eight days saw the girls go through challenges where they developed a transformer washing machine, transporting machines, road sweeper, Garbage Truck collector, among others.
Speaking at the closing ceremony where the girls showcased their projects and skills, the National Programme Analyst at UNFPA Ghana, Mrs Adjoa Yenyi stressed the importance of Science and Technology in the development of the country.
She encouraged the girls to build on project ideas and be change-makers in their society.
The Visiola Foundation Accra STEM Camp for Girls is a program designed to stimulate the interest of girls between the ages of 13 and 18 in the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics fields.
Participants were exposed to the diverse renewable energy options available in Ghana, while helping them to harness their potential for economic growth and development. They were taught the science behind renewable energy and were given the opportunity to build demo projects to generate electricity using solar, hydro, and wind power. In addition, the camp empowered girls with valuable knowledge and information about their sexual, reproductive health and how to protect themselves against gender-based violence.
Co-Founder and President of the Visiola foundation, Mrs. LadéAraba said the Programme among other things helped build the confidence levels of the girls. She said the programme helped to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers by gaining their interest early and facilitating their success.
She however called on the government to support and invest in the girl child to ensure more women get into the STEM fields in order to contribute to national development.
”To provide opportunities for girls, especially girls from underserved Communities. Talent is equally available but opportunity is not. What they lack is simply the opportunity. So we are allowing programmes such as ours to be run by public schools, by supporting organizations into doing this type of work, that are running these types of programs. Government itself can support and invest in the girl child and ensure that more women are getting into the field and that women are contributing to national development.”
The National Programme Analyst UNFPA Ghana, AdjoaYenyi, called on the girls to see the STEM programme as integration of discipline to develop creativity, research skills, teamwork and also encourage the study of science and technology. She said the UNFPA will continue to support such innovations.
”The African development bank reports that 25% of African students perceive STEM in related career periods despite the Continent boasting of the world’s largest useful population. This is even lower for girls especially as many factors influence participation in stem. UNFPA is committed to ensuring that every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”
The girls were given the opportunity to showcase their projects. Some of them spoke to GBC News.
According to Esther, ”the program has impacted me by making me know a lot about sustainable development and renewable energy such as robotics.”
”The program has helped me in such a way that it taught me how to use things that are not depleted when used to make life easier,” according to Michaela.
Nancy said, ”even though it’s not my field, I was able to learn a lot and it inspired me especially during our stem and mental hangouts, we got to talk to people who were experienced in career decision making and it was amazing.”
