The Deputy Coordinator for the Free Senior High School (SHS) Secretariat, Nana Afrah Sika Mensah, has urged corporate entities and individuals to invest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects embarked upon by high school students as a means of increasing productivity for economic growth.
This, she underscored, would be a yardstick for churning out potential STEM magnates who would help in building a resilient economy made up of solution seekers.
Highlighting the potential of STEM to put the country at par with Western developed countries, she iterated that investing in the innovative ideas of some inventions of these SHS students is an important remedy for national development.
“Investing in STEM allows and encourages young minds to critically think, innovate and develop pragmatic measures that solve societal problems.
“I entreat all to support the STEMNNOVATION contest because it would go a long way to solve the majority of problems identified in our societies, including health, food, water and energy, among others,” she said.
Additionally, she underscored the role the STEM Innovation Competition project (STEMNNOVATION), a programme of the government for all STEM institutions at the SHS level under the auspices of the Free SHS Secretariat, has played in unearthing talents in that space.
Nana Afrah said the contest would be a model that would aid Ghanaian students to broaden their horizons and increase sustainability for socio-economic development.
“It was laudable to see magnificent projects showcased by the participating schools at the just-ended STEMNNOVATION 2023, where they touched on thematic areas of urban gardening, clean water, and efficient use of electricity,” she commended.
The STEMNNOVATION contest is building a tremendous generation of young minds who will soon be ready for the job market after adding more value to their skills in tertiary institutions, she stressed.
Touching on this year’s STEMNNOVATION contest theme ‘Future-Proofed for socio-economic Development in Ghana through STEM Education’, the deputy coordinator indicated that for a country to achieve a high level of advancement in its STEM projects, it needs to invest in youthful inventions.
STEMNNOVATION, under the Free SHS Secretariat, has served as a viable alternative for the youth to be great entrepreneurs who would contribute their quota to building a strong economy.
Nana Afrah commended the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, for always supporting the project with his sound counsel and directions; and commended all partners and sponsors of STEMNNOVATION for coming onboard.
