Speaking at the opening of "The Annual Impact Roundtable Discussion and Robotics Competition" dubbed "AIRTAD 2025," in Accra, she acknowledged the rapid advancement of technology, and emphasised "a connected response" to the changes.

Prof. Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, referenced a 2023 World Bank article estimating a need for 2.5 million engineers in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle development challenges.

She highlighted the current challenges in meeting this demand and stressed the importance of empowering young people to become change makers through STEAM education.

AIRTAD 2025 was to celebrate and evaluate the progress of the "Yamoransa Model Labs Programme," an initiative dedicated to advancing STEAM education across Africa.

The Model Labs, according to officials, "offerred solar-powered ICT centres equipped with educational content and multimedia, a space for robotics, AR/VR learning, and 3D Printing," in selected communities.

The facility is funded by the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF), in partnership with the Ministry of Education in countries where the labs are situated.

The two-day conference, organised by Implementers, a non-profit project management organisation, and Helping Africa Foundation, was themed: "The Yamoransa Model Impact Year: Scaling The Successes of Bridging Educational Gaps With Technology."

Prof. Kaufmann commended both organisations for their effort in empowering underprivileged communities in STEAM education.

"AIRTAD is not just a celebration of speeches or discussion of innovation.... employ you all to see into the great future of STEAM education in Africa...to create solutions that satisfy and sustain humanity.

"The success of the Yamoransa Model Labs is a pathway to showcase innovation and talents on the global stage in order to attract investors and accelerate progress towards Africa's development," she noted.

Dr. Deborah Rose, President, Helping Africa Foundation, said the event was to lay the foundation for "further expansion and strategic partnerships" for the Yamoransa Model Lab Programme in sub-Saharan Africa.

"More than a celebration, this event is a rallying call to transform education in Africa- fostering inclusive, technology- driven learning environments that ensure no child is left behind," she said.

Mr. Kafui Prebbie, Chief Executive Officer, Implementers, said 13 Model Labs had been completed at various locations in Ghana, with two other centres yet to be established.

The technology centres, he explained, included an offline learning tool called "Asanka," which helped teachers and students to study effectively.
He said the project had impacted over 55,000 pupils in the selected areas, with 100,000 more pupils targeted in the years ahead.

Mr. Prebbie said the organisation would continue to impact communities and support the government's vision of providing technology education.

Key highlight of AIRTAD 2025 was the robotics competition, where students demonstrated proficiency in coding, engineering, and problem-solving. It also featured projects developed within the Yamoransa Model Labs.