Empowering Ghana’s Future: Eight New Schools Gear Up for GSTEP 2024 STEM Challenge

Empowering Ghana's Future: Eight New Schools Gear Up for GSTEP 2024 STEM Challenge
Empowering Ghana's Future: Eight New Schools Gear Up for GSTEP 2024 STEM Challenge

 

Ferdinand EducationGhana |  October 16|Empowering Ghana’s Future: Eight New Schools Gear Up for GSTEP 2024 STEM Challenge

“Eight new schools are set to compete in the GSTEP 2024 STEM Challenge, as Ghana’s premier STEM competition breaks participation records. Learn how these first-time participants are gearing up to showcase their innovation skills and tackle real-world challenges.”

The Director of the Science Education Unit at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Madam Olivia Serwaa Opare, has emphasized the pivotal role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in shaping Ghana’s future.

At the launch of the Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge 2024, she urged students to seize this opportunity to lead in innovation and make a meaningful impact in their communities. “The future is in your hands,” she stated, encouraging young minds to embrace STEM as a pathway to solving real-world challenges.

The GSTEP Challenge, spearheaded by the DreamOval Foundation in collaboration with key partners, is a unique platform aimed at nurturing future innovators among junior high school students (ages 11-16) in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.

This initiative is backed by Fondation Botnar and implemented by a consortium that includes DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and the Practical Education Network (PEN).

Newcomers Poised to Compete

This year marks a record-breaking edition with eight new schools entering the GSTEP Challenge for the first time. These institutions, comprising five government and three private schools, have expressed readiness to demonstrate their capabilities on a national stage.

The new government schools making their debut include Adanwomase SHS, Kofi Agyei SHS, Presby SHS Bompata, Serwaa Nyarko SHS, and Sirigu SHS, while the private contenders are Our Lady of Grace SHS, Bright SHS, and Ghana-Lebanon Islamic SHS.

The students from these first-time schools have expressed a mix of excitement and determination. A student from Bright SHS stated, “It’s our first time participating in GSTEP, and we are proud to be part of it. We’ve prepared well and are ready to show that we can compete at the highest level.” Similarly, a representative from Sirigu SHS noted, “We may be new, but we are here to prove that we deserve a place on this stage. It’s a privilege, but we’re also here to show our academic strength.”

Equipping Students for Success

The DreamOval Foundation’s Executive Director, Afua Oforiwaa Asaimah Adjei, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to empowering young Ghanaians through STEM education.

She stated that GSTEP’s mission is to provide students with the necessary skills to address pressing societal issues, adding that the foundation looks forward to seeing groundbreaking ideas from this year’s participants.

According to Keren Arkoh, Project Manager at DreamOval Foundation, the application process is designed to be user-friendly, with details available on the GSTEP website.

The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2024, after which selected teams will advance to a grand exhibition and awards ceremony next year, where impactful projects will be recognized.

Fostering Innovation and Community Impact

The GSTEP Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a movement to inspire the next generation of innovators.

It encourages students to delve into sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment, promoting a hands-on approach to learning. The focus on community-oriented projects ensures that students not only acquire valuable skills but also contribute positively to society.

With workshops, mentorship, and continuous support provided throughout the challenge, the GSTEP consortium aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana’s young learners.

As the stage is set for this year’s competition, the anticipation is high, and all eyes are on the new entrants who are eager to make their mark.


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