– Gives scholarships to Six
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
As part of efforts to increase innovation in science and technology among children in Bayelsa, a nongovernmental organisation, Techie Girl Initiative (TGI), has introduced preliminary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to 127 children in the state.
The event, tagged: ‘Introduce a Child to STEM,’ held at Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area, had children between nine to 15 years of age drawn from six villages in Bayelsa State for the immersive and hands-on STEM experience.
The participants, comprising 74 girls and 54 boys, had their first glimpse into real-life experience with robotics, engineering and scientific innovation.
The organisers, who engaged experts, guided the children on the construction of humidity sensors and the creation of laser infrared alarm systems.
They also had the opportunity to build an intelligent light control desk lamp, experimented with Tesla wireless power transmission and crafted wind-driven cars that responded to shifting air patterns.
The children were also involved in practical hands-on tasks by assembling hand-held torch lights and building mechanical flag raising systems.
The winning teams from the STEM competition advanced to an intense mathematics competition, where individuals completed and six winners emerged, winning N50,000 scholarships.
In the primary school category, Samson Pereowei from Community Primary School, Akaibiri came first, Merit Emmanuel from Community Primary School, Bumoundigbene came second, while Sunday Divine from St. John Primary School, Gbarantoru finished third.
In the secondary school category, Testimony Samuel from Ekpetiama Comprehensive High School, Tombia came first, Aweibo Victor and Wealth Geku both from Agudama Comprehensive High School, Agudama, emerged second and third, respectively.
The founder and president of TGI, Ifeimi Tulagha, stated that the success of the initiative was a powerful testament to the importance of early STEM education, particularly for children from underserved communities.
According to her, the mission of TGI was to bridge the educational gap and inspire young minds to embrace technology, innovation and problem-solving as tools for a brighter future.
“Prioritising early STEM education is crucial for a future driven by innovation. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that children, especially those with limited access to resources, develop the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“TGI is not stopping here. Plans are underway to establish STEM clubs, ‘TGI STEM Havens,’ in participating schools, where students will receive mentorship, hands-on training and career guidance.
A dedicated team of experts will visit bi-monthly to sustain interest and nurture young talents in STEM fields.
“We are ready to collaborate with individuals, organisations, government bodies and businesses to take STEM education to every nook and cranny of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.”
Tulagha stressed that TGI believes in the transformative power of STEM to change lives and reshape the future, adding that with initiatives like this, the journey towards a technologically advanced, problem-solving generation has begun.
She enjoined well-meaning Nigerians and public-spirited individuals to join hands with TGI to empower young minds, unlock limitless possibilities and pave the way for Nigeria’s future innovators.