An NGO, Education and Empowerment Centre for Women (EECW) has organised a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop for 60 female secondary school students in Southern Kaduna state.

This was in the bid to equip the girl-child to learning especially in science and technology,

STEM is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in college and in their future careers while its focus is hands-on and problem-based learning.

Benjamin Dankaka, programme officer of EECW, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the workshop at Government Girls’ College, Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Dankaka said the workshop, which was an initiative of Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize for Girls, was targeted for girls in rural schools.

He said: “The Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize for Girls is an initiative by EECW, established in honour of the late Mrs Laraba Akpason, the mother of EECW’s founder, Sen. Nenadi Usman.

“Late Mrs Akapson was known for her commitment to Christian values and a life dedicated to serving others.

“To continue her legacy, the Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize seeks to educate and empower young girls in rural areas who have limited access to STEM education and resources.

“As part of this initiative, the project provides STEM education workshops in schools situated in rural communities, equipping young girls with essential skills in science and technology.”

The officer said the group focused on STEM education to help more girls get involved in Science-related subjects.

Mr Dankaka added, ”Right now, not many students in Africa, including Nigeria, study STEM subjects, especially compared to countries like China and India.

“In Nigeria, fewer than 25 per vent of students choose STEM, and only a small number finish with STEM degrees.

”Some reasons are the lack of teachers with STEM skills, not enough awareness about STEM, and few resources like labs and computers, especially in rural areas.

“Our vision is to establish a model for Science clubs specifically designed for girls, building a foundation for networking so they can support and uplift each other by sharing resources and connections.”

He, however, said that EECW strives to introduce young girls to new experiences and opportunities in STEM and inspire them to explore careers in related fields.

Mr Dankaka said: “Through hands-on activities and contests focused on STEM, we aim to encourage girls to create, discover, experiment, and share new ideas.”

Swanta Bonat, executive director for community outreach for Educational Check, resource person at the workshop,  said that although some of the students had little or no knowledge about the STEM programme, the workshop was an eye-opener.

Ms Bonat said: “This is coming at the right time because with this now, they have been empowered to think differently, reassess themselves and apply their knowledge more as they pursue their future careers.

“Regrettably, one of the major setbacks in Southern Kaduna has been the low quality of education especially as it relates to Science subjects in the rural communities.

“Education is a collective responsibility as such there is need for combined efforts to revamp the sector especially in sciences.

“Although the programme commenced with 60 girls’ dreams from three schools, I hope it would in no distant time cover the entire southern Kaduna region.”

Jonathan Danbaki, the principal of GSS, Kagoro in Kaura LGA, said that the meeting was timely, saying that it would further complement the government’s efforts towards uplifting the education sector in the state.

“It is a brilliant and a welcome idea especially in the educational development of our students as most of them in this part of the state have been left behind in the aspect of science and technology.

“I believe it will facilitate the learning process of our students more so that they are being introduced to facilities that the school is lacking,” Mr Danbaki said.

Dorcas Silas, an SS2 student at GSS, Kagoro, commended the foundation for the workshop, adding that it had ignited her interest in sciences.

“Before now, I have never heard anything about STEM but with this workshop, I have learnt so many aspects of science and technology,” Ms Silas said.

Participants were issued with a certificate in STEM education as well as STEM Club starter kits, including educational materials on how to promote STEM education in their schools. 

(NAN)