The STEM Challenge for kids is an initiative aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, education in Ghana.It is a programme designed for young minds from the ages of 6 to 16 who feel challenged to think outside the box.

The event is being organized by I-THINK-EDU under the auspices of STEMICs UK.

I-THINK-EDU is a digital eLearning platform that seeks to promote STEM Education and Bridge the Gap between Technology and Education in Africa. From the 10 regions of Ghana, starting from the Greater Accra Region, I-THINK-EDU is in search of innovations by Kids that exemplify the kind of leapfrog solutions with practical marketing potentials.

Participants would be given STEM education on Saturdays from now till the first week end of March. The kids would be trained in game programming, building robots, website and mobile application development, science and mathematics.

The 2017 STEM Challenge for kids’ prize winners would be announced on March 9.

The first prize winner goes home with G? 1,000 plus one mini laptop, with continuous coaching and support to fully develop their innovations into a business solution.

The first runner-up would receive GH? 7000, with continuous coaching and support to fully develop their innovations into a business solution.

Whereas the second runner-up would receive with GH? 5000, with continuous coaching support to fully develop their innovations into a business solution.

Mr Justice Akpadie Jr, the Founder and President of I-THINK-EDU said: “We want every child regardless of where they live to be able to have quality experiences that build their interest and competencies in STEM”.

He said: “My challenge to the Government of Ghana is that, after 60 years of nationhood, I think it is about we time organised a national discourse to realign academic curricula.

“We need to place emphasis on subjects that inspire and encourage creativity, research, innovation and robust learning.

“We need to tune the mindsets of our young people into positive attitudes that can withstand global market competitions.”

He noted that it takes scientific, technological, engineering and critical thinking skills to stand tall or explore beyond our boundaries.

“My Special appeal to the stakeholders of Education Sector and the government, we want a curriculum that is STEM-based which has real-life situations to help the student learn,” he said.

Adding that programmes like “STEM Challenge for Kids” integrates multiple classes to provide opportunities to see how concepts relate to life in order to hopefully spark a passion for a future career in a STEM field.

Mr Akpadie Jr said STEM education is critical to assist Ghana to play in the big league of nations.

“In today’s world academic qualifications without STEM-related training or orientation there is no longer a guarantee of sustainable long-term employment prospects.

“If STEM education is not improved, Ghana will continue to fall in world ranking with math and science scores and will not be able to maintain its global position,” he said.

“STEM education in schools is important to spark an interest in pursuing a STEM career in students. However, teachers must not be the only ones to carry the burden of STEM education,” he added.

He urged parents to encourage their children to pursue STEM activities and increase awareness and interest at home and in extracurricular activities.

“Our country led Africa to independence and I believe the time has come for us to, once again, lead the continent into a technological revolution,” he stated.

Dr Nana Kofi Annan, an ICT Policy Specialist, eTransform Project, Ministry of Communications, said the STEM Challenge for kids initiative was a laudable project; and therefore urged all and sundry to give it the needed support.