Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with the New Juaben South Education Directorate has commenced three days STEM education camping at New Juaben Senior High School – Koforidua in the Eastern region.
The camping for junior high school students in the municipality forms part of the broader vision of the KOICA initiative of empowering and equipping students with Science , Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM by exposing the students to the handling and the use of maths , science and ICT related devices and the integration of practical means of solving problems.
To encourage gender base learning and inclusivity in a more friendly learning environment , the camping also hosted students from Koforidua school for the deaf as well as five students each from the 52 junior high schools in the municipality consisting of two males and three females.
Addressing the gathering during the official launch of the 2024 KOICA Gender STEM Camp, the Eastern Regional Director of Education Dr. Mrs Ivy Asantewaa Owusu disclosed the significant advancement and strides made in the teaching of maths and science at the basic level in the Eastern region.
According to Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, the teaching of maths and science at the basic level has shifted from theory driven to practical and evidence base driven hence enhancing students understanding and interest on the subjects.
Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu reiterated by admonishing that STEM education has become a necessary tool to the development of every nation therefore it is imperative to encourage our children particularly the girl- child to be trained with the requisite skill set and knowledge for a brighter future.
She said “because we were lagging and we need to sharpen our skills , our intelligence , our exposure in STEM education that is why we are doing all this, all of you take your books as your friend and don’t let your colleagues or your peers influence you negatively”
“This is the only district or municipality that we have students on KOICA program with inclusive education, so we are happy and privilege to have our brothers and sisters with us who need assistive device to also move along with us so with STEM we are not leaving anyone behind”
” We are in era that we can’t do without science, technology, engineering or without mathematics , that is the reasons why you have the resource persons here that is going to walk you through this responsive pedagogy that you will do away with all myths surrounding mathematics and science that is going to enhance your interest in science and mathematics”
“I’m happy that girls are now doing well , are now progressing steadily when we talk about mathematics, science and its related subjects” Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu encouraged the girl- child.
This year’s camp was on the theme ” Promotion of Girl’s Competency in Maths and Science with Gender -Responsive Pedagogy”
In attendance at the launch were the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of education, Municipal Director of Education Mustapha Haruna Appiah and the entire staff of the municipal education directorate.
On the other hand, the Focal Person for KOICA initiative in the New Juaben South Municipality Hajia Rukaya Issah outlined the objectives for the 2024 KOICA STEM GENDER CAMP saying students will be taken through series of practical activities and mentorship programs.
Hajia Rukaya Issah additionally recounted on the positive impact of the KOICA initiative on students learning outcomes particularly the girl-child in the New Juaben South Municipality.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Ansah Stephen
