In a world changing so quickly, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is becoming more and more significant.
In spite of the importance of STEM education, most deprived communities face various obstacles in acquiring the needed STEM education basis.
Some of such challenges include a lack of infrastructure like labs and electricity, limited resources and materials, and a shortage of well-trained STEM teachers.
Societal and cultural factors, including gender bias, also play a role, as do funding gaps and weak links between educational institutions and industry, hindering practical application and career progression for students. In empowering deprived communities, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation ( GFGF) has invested over 10.4 million U- S dollars specifically into education.
The Foundation has gone ahead to establish a Smart Lab and Innovation Centre at New Atuabo Basic School in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. Speaking on what informed the initiative, the Project Coordinator-
Education and Training at the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Gifty Antwiwaa Gyamfi, said the Foundation aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s Sustainable development and to participate effectively in the evolving global economy.
” ..this is in response to growing concerns about the low interest and participation of students in STEM fields within host communities. Many students perceive STEM subjects as difficult, lack awareness of their real-world applications and have limited access to relatable role models” , she added.
With a 54-student capacity, the facility is equipped for robotics, coding, Arduino programming and physical computing with Microbits.
The project Coordinator of Training and Education at Gold Fields Ghana Foundation outlined the rationale of the Foundation for the initiative.
“This initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to equipping young students with hands-on experience in modern technology and fostering curiosity and creativity at an early stage, ” she reiterated.
She added that the initiative aims to demystify STEM education, highlight career pathways and demonstrate the relevance of STEM to national development, especially within sectors such as mining, energy and technology.
The facility intends to promote gender inclusivity and equal opportunity in STEM education for all sexes.
From KWAME MALCOLM/ TAKORADI
