A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Improvement Program has been launched in the Kassena Nankana Municipality with a call for collective responsibility to ensure its success.
The initiative, rolled out on Friday, September 26, at the Notre Dame Seminary Senior High School in Navrongo, with the theme “Improving STEM Education in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, A Responsibility for All,” aims to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among young people in the area.
Delivering the purpose of the program, the Kassena Nankana Municipal STEM Coordinator, Evans Wepia Awo, stressed that STEM education is indispensable.
“STEM education is no longer optional it is a necessity. In this world, nations that prioritize innovation, technology, and problem-solving are those that develop faster. For our municipality, this is a golden opportunity to prepare our young people with the skills to thrive in the 21st century, skills that will make them become engineers, doctors, researchers, ICT innovators and entrepreneurs who will help address local and global challenges.” He said.
He further noted that deliberate steps must be taken to ensure the success of the program, including the capacity building of science and mathematics teachers, the motivation of both teachers and students, and the provision of community-centered, science-led solutions to environmental and health challenges, among others.”
The Vice Chancellor of the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Professor Albert Luguterah, who delivered the keynote address, described the initiative as both transformative and prophetic.
“When a community decides to invest in STEM, it is not just educating, it is prophesying. It is declaring that its children will not be left behind. This initiative is not just academic, it is apostolic, it is prophetic.” He stated.
Professor Luguterah envisioned a future of innovation springing from the municipality.
“I see a future where a girl from Kandiga codes an app that will transform agriculture, where a boy from Manyoro builds a solar solution for his village, where a student from Sirigu designs a water purification system for his community, and where a woman from Pungu becomes a biomedical engineer solving rural health challenges,” he declared.
The event brought together distinguished personalities, including the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Pe Asagepaare II, the Member of Parliament for the Navrongo Central Constituency, Simon Aworigo; former Upper East Regional Minister,Tangoba Abayage; Kassena Nankana Municipal Education Director, Thomas Kanlisi; as well as teachers and students from across the municipality.
Ahead of the launch, a Junior Science and Mathematics Quiz was organized for selected schools in the municipality, with St. John Bosco Model Junior High School emerging as champions. Awards were presented to the winners as well as to the other participating schools.
Mike 105.3FM |Navrongo | David Adapuna
