The Education and Empowerment Centre for Women (EECW), a non-governmental organization, has organised a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop for 60 female secondary school students in Southern Kaduna.
This was in the bid to equip the girl-child to learn, especially in science and technology.
STEM is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in college and in their future careers while its focus is hands-on and problem-based learning.
Mr Benjamin Dankaka, Programme Officer of EECW, disclosed this during the inauguration of the workshop at the Government Girls’ College, Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf local government area of the state over the weekend.
Dankaka said the workshop, which was an initiative of Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize for Girls, was targeted for girls in rural schools.
He said: “The Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize for Girls is an initiative by EECW, established in honour of the late Mrs Laraba Akpason, the mother of EECW’s founder, Sen. Nenadi Usman.
“Late Mrs Akpason was known for her commitment to Christian values and a life dedicated to serving others.
“To continue her legacy, the Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize seeks to educate and empower young girls in rural areas who have limited access to STEM education and resources.
“As part of this initiative, the project provides STEM education workshops in schools situated in rural communities, equipping young girls with essential skills in science and technology.”
The officer said the group focuses on STEM education to help more girls get involved in science-related subjects.
Dankaka added, “Right now, not many students in Africa, including Nigeria, study STEM subjects, especially compared to countries like China and India.
“In Nigeria, fewer than 25 per cent of students choose STEM, and only a small number finish with STEM degrees.
“Some reasons are the lack of teachers with STEM skills, not enough awareness about STEM, and few resources like labs and computers, especially in rural areas.
“Our vision is to establish a model for Science clubs specifically designed for girls, building a foundation for networking so they can support and uplift each other by sharing resources and connections.”
Principal of GSS, Kagoro in Kaura LGA Mr Jonathan Danbaki, in an interview said the initiative was timely, saying that it would further complement government’s efforts towards uplifting the education sector in the state.
“It is a brilliant and a welcome idea especially in the educational development of our students as most of them in this part of the state have been left behind in the aspect of science and technology.
“I believe it will facilitate the learning process of our students more so that they are being introduced to facilities that the school is lacking,” Danbaki said.
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