UNESCO, Rwanda Government boost STEM Education to tackle development challenges

By Elias Hakizimana.

At least 150 students and 20 teachers from 20 Science teaching schools in Kigali are being mentored in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Coding, Solid Modelling and 3D printing as well as Micro-science to be able to solve existing problems in the country.    

Trained students currently follow the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The four-day STEM Mentoring Boot Camp started on February 28, 2022 in Kigali at FAWE Girls School to be concluded on March 4, 2022.

It was organized by Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO (CNRU) in partnership with UNESCO and local stakeholders including the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC).

Trainers of Trainers come from UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (and for Regional Office for Southern Africa).

Speaking during the event on March 1, 2022, Albert Mutesa, CNRU Secretary General said that the boot camp is part of the ongoing big event of Africa Regional Forum of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically on the SDG4.

“Our main objective of this training workshop is to strengthen the capacities of STEM instructors and students to the latest technologies and innovations which could offer them opportunities for instruction and creation of scientific educational contents, particularly AI, Coding or Robotics, editing and 3D printing simulation.” Mutesa said.

He added that Rwanda Government as the United Nations’ (AU) active member is committed to put more effort and improvement in the SDG4 implementation by enhancing the quality and inclusive education and teaching for all, as one of the main way to boost the achievement of other SDGs towards the common 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development.

Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education said that the youth STEM boot camp aims to give teachers and students an opportunity to explore new ways of teaching and learning using modern concepts.

“We need to strengthen our STEM education and ensure that our students are being trained to be active contributors to the fourth Industrial Revolution. This training is aligned with the national strategy for transformation which aims at creating a knowledge based economy, promoting STEM and ICT in education and enhancing the quality of education and life-long learning.” He said.

Trained teachers who will train students welcome this initiative.

Josiane INEZA, a teacher who currently teaches Physics and Mathematics at G.S. Karembure in Kicukiro District said that the acquired knowledge will help them to boost students’ skills capacity to innovate.

“Lack of modern equipment may not hamper the move”

David Benimana who teaches at Collège S^t. André/Nyamirambo said: “We are in the digital era and teaching STEM requires having equipment such as laboratories to help children learn and help the world tackle existing challenges. In the absence of modern equipment, we can use accessible materials in local area.”

Students’ training expectations

Teta Edidia Gatarayiha, a student in Senior five-MPC at FAWE-Gisozi said: “The boot camp will help me to get rid of my fear in STEM and will help me engage with each field of sciences in every country that I may go to.”

Maxime Furaha Tuyizere, a TVET student said: “I am acquiring important skills that will help me in the future job creation and innovation opportunities.”   

The annual youth STEM boot camp campaign targets mostly young girls in Secondary schools to raise awareness, inspiration and love of STEM subjects and careers.

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