By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Apowa
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Clinic, organised by Yinson Ghana annually, attracted a wild applause from stakeholders in education in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
According to them, the second edition of the STEM Clinic has been excellent with a lot of teachers, instructors and 500 learners overwhelmed by the equipment used during the practical experiments.
Some of the hands-on practical experiments were on test for substance in food, presence of starch by using iodine solution, among others.
The STEM Clinic is to bridge the gender gap and increase girls’ interest in science, especially in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
Stephanie Nyarko, a 15-year-old JHS students at Agona Nkwanta Girls’ Model School, was so intrigued that she said: “Apart from funnel, I have not set my eyes on any of the science equipment, most of them are in the text books”.
Also, Meritocratica Arthur, a Juniour High School (JHS) student at Apowa Methodist School, was cheery, saying: “Now, I have seen beaker, test hook holder, among others; and I will be able to label them during examination. Thanks to Yinson and Youth Bridge Foundation, I now see myself scoring one in Science at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).”
Madam Ernestina Kanga of Girls Education Unit in the Ahanta West Municipality, praised Yinson West Africa for organising the STEM programme for the second time.
According to her, girls have long been seen as second-class citizens in education and they must be encouraged to give off their best. “Programmes, such as this, are essential because they address the root of the problem, showing girls that Science is not beyond their reach. Last year’s STEM clinic has already begun to break down these barriers,” she said.
She recalled what Agnes Cudjoe, a beneficiary from the first STEM Clinic, said to her: “Madam, this practical has taught me a lot, especially on how some of the equipment are used and it has opened a new chapter in my academic journeys.
Madam Dorothy Abokuma Mensah, Western Regional Manager of Youth Bridge Foundation, explained that under the implementation strategy of the STEM Clinic, experiments in Physics, Biology and Chemistry were undertaken.
These, she said, included measurements, acid-base reactions, separation of mixtures, food tests, photosynthesis, reflection of light and basic electronics, density, ratio and proportion, PH scale, scientific simulation, among others.
“The goal of this clinic is to empower girls to break the perceived barriers between them and STEM, and for them to appreciate what they have been taught in theory into practical” she added.
Mrs. Linda Fynn, the Headteacher of Beahu Catholic Basic School, reaffirmed the sentiments of gratitude for the programme. “In our classrooms, we mostly teach theory, especially when it comes to Science. Many of the girls don’t get the chance to work with equipment. I believe that when these girls return to their classrooms, they’ll not only excel in exams but also help teach their peers.”
For Edward Mensah, Yinson’s Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, the STEM Clinic programme is more than just an educational initiative.
“It is a step toward changing societal norms. The company’s commitment to education, particularly for girls, is deeply rooted in the belief that gender equality in STEM is vital for societal progress. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote quality education and effective learning for girls,” he said.
Mr. Mensah continued: “At Yinson, we see this as our contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 which focuses on gender equality”.
The clinic also sparked important discussions about long-standing challenges faced by girls in STEM.
