As part of effort aimed at improving technological advancement for the girl-child, United State Exchange Alumni Stella Uzochukwu has trained 50 students in 10 schools on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Stella while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday after the climax of the 5-days intensive training on STEM education noted that the training seek to make students become leaders and stem adult.
Stella explained that the program which was made possible through the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of State via the Alumni Ties program and facilitated by World Learning, has been a beacon of innovation and empowerment for the talented young participants who joined them for an enriching five days at the FCTA Science and Technology camp.
She noted that the participants, a group of remarkable young girls, have spent the past five days immersing themselves in the world of Digital Making for Good ranging from 3D printing, laser printing, embroidery using the SE Brother and Turtle Stitches, DTF printer, and delving into the realms of electronics and virtual reality and Augmented through Merge Cube and Oculus quest- their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Stella affirm that a major highlight of the program has been the incorporation of Virtual Reality and AR, a tool not only for technical exploration but a gateway to the inspiring stories of women leaders in STEM.
“Through this innovative approach, the participants had the privilege of interacting with accomplished women in the field, drawing inspiration from their journeys, and understanding the vast possibilities that lie ahead.”
She however charged the students not to loose focus in achieving their dreams as the skills acquired over the past five days are not just tools; but instruments of empowerment.
“Your creativity, coupled with these newfound capabilities, has the potential to reshape the landscape of technology and make a positive impact on society.”
While appreciating the support of major stakeholders who contributed immensely to the success of the program, Stella noted that seeds of innovation has been sown and it is the responsibility of all to nurture and cultivate the budding talents that will drive progress in the years to come.
Abu Francis, a beneficiary from the training and a student of Government Science Secondary School, Pyakassa Maitama expressed delight at the knowledge acquired which she said has positioned her to achieving a goal-driven career path.
Narrating her experience at the training, Francis said:
“In those 5 days we were shared into groups, we learnt 3D printing, augmented reality and virtual reality, hardware and lasser machine, and a host of others, I was selected to do lasser machine. I learnt X2, CNC, how to engrave and carve on any material.
“I see a future in engineering, future of building, a future of helping the world through engineering in many ways I can a future of being a STEM leader.” she added.