By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, July 15, GNA – The River of Blessing Academy (ROBA), a trailblazer for promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the Basic School level, has successfully organised its sixth annual STEM fair in Koforidua.
Under the theme “Innovate, Design and Solve”, the event highlighted student-led technological innovations and drew participation from parents, educators, community leaders, and government officials.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Assistant Director of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, Ms. Juliet A. Obeng, expressed the Minister`s commitment to advancing STEM education through strategic investment in resources, infrastructure, and training across the region.
She said that the Regional Minister was eager to collaborate with institutions like ROBA by investing in resources, training, and infrastructure needed to prepare learners for the demands of the 21st century.
The fair showcased the practical benefits of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, which organizers said foster critical thinking, adaptability, and economic advancement by equipping students with essential skills for future careers.
She stated that, “STEM is a powerful tool for societal change and our government recognizes the pivotal role of STEM in national development.”
The Minister commended the school for their steadfast dedication to advancing STEM education and noted that it was the pillars on which the future of the nation Ghana would be built.
Mr. James Selorm Agbenyo, New Juaben South Municipal STEM Coordinator, Ghana Education Service, cited numerous inventors who never gave up but proved persistent in their process of inventions.
In their groundbreaking efforts, Thomas Edison, an American inventor, developed the electric light bulb; Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, an African American physicist, contributed to the invention of Caller ID and Call Waiting; and Ghana’s own Dr. Thomas Mensah, a pioneer in fiber optics, helped revolutionize high-speed internet technology.
Addressing the event, the Municipal STEM Coordinator, encouraged Ghanaian youth to pursue innovative ideas with determination, emphasizing the importance of exploration, creativity, and resilience in shaping the future.
Dr. Abba Hughes-Lartey, Executive Director of River of Blessing Academy, reminded parents about the evolving career trends in STEM, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that have replaced hundreds of traditional jobs.
She urged parents to encourage their wards to fully take advantage of the school’s STEM co-curricular programme to acquire innovative and problem-solving skills with a growth mindset.
This year’s STEM fair provided a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, creativity and knowledge.
The exhibition featured an array of innovative projects, including a 12-hour automatic lighting system, a wireless phone charger using induction technology, hydroelectric power generation model utilizing a dynamo and recycled materials, an aquaponic mini-ecosystem, a circulation system model, drone, DIY (do it yourself) periscope, and other groundbreaking innovations.
The students were given certificates of participation to climax the occasion.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Benjamin Mensah