STEM and its Influence in Africa Students
by William Jackson STEM/STEAM Advocate
Twitter @wmjackson
As more students become interested in dynamic careers that
require skills that apply Science Technology Engineering
and Math African nations have begun to accept the growing
STEM educational opportunities that men and women are
providing in their respective nations. STEM and STEAM
are applied educational initiatives that have a foundation
in the scientific models, but integrate hands-on learning,
team work, building leadership skills and incorporate
higher order and critical thinking skills.
Africa rich in natural resources is increasing its STEM and
STEAM opportunities to increase generational opportunities
to contribute to the growth in economics, commerce, education
and global trade that will benefit and increase Africa’s
influence globally. Africa can not continue to rely on foreign
investments only that place it deeper and deeper in debt to
others that in many cases still do not respect the African
citizen and their generational place in building Africa,
their homeland.
The more African’s are involved in STEM and STEAM the more
they can assure they will have a stake in how their nations
and continent are growing and influential in the diverse
markets and even foreign investments by outside nations.
“I believe more women should be in STEM roles because
of the message it sends to younger girls. Some of the
girls think they can’t because they haven’t really
seen a lot of women who do the jobs they want to do.”
Leticia Oppong shares her journey from being an intern
to a field engineer at GE Africa.
Statements made by Leticia Oppong ring a new bell of change
for girls that in the past have not been included in
the educational engagement and empowerment of STEM
that requires hands-on learning, experimentation and even
mentors. There are growing numbers of African women
that are role models and mentors ready to share their
knowledge and experiences to build future “Agents of STEM.”
Developing the necessary critical and higher order thinking
skills that are applied to problem solving and even complex
thinking in the development of new ways to harness
natural sources of energy and exploration in new areas
of engineering and tech that are needed
to forge Africa as a global influencer.
The growing news reports in Africa.com and other media are
showing that STEM and STEAM are being celebrated to inspire
boys and girls that they can be whatever they dream. The
resources and people are available to help them move from
dreams to reality to the implementation of their developing
skills and talents.
There are Nigerian robotics entrepreneurs who are founding
new robotic companies like Surrogate Robotics Nigeria.
“I thought if you start when you’re really young to find
models to solve real world problems using robotics and
artificial intelligence, when you get older you’ll have
that confidence to approach problem solving.”
Christian Chime – Surrogate Robotics Nigeria
http://skillsdevelopment.africa.com/robots-giving-head-start-on-stem/
The key parts of STEM and STEAM are solving real world
problems that help to build the continent and build the
confidence of rising youth, teens and young adults who
are excited about the ability to create change.
The building of critical thinkers, innovators, entrepreneurs,
and inventors in Africa will build the continent’s economic
structure to engage more individuals that have the
knowledge and understanding to attack the challenges that
have plagued Africa and meet future challenges.
African higher educational institutions now see their
responsibilities in building new generation of STEM innovators.
Educational institutions are being held accountable in adapting
their instruction to address the need for students to be
prepared as future STEM advocates and leaders.
Even in countries like Somalia the rise of innovation hubs
https://qz.com/1071505/
irise-hub-the-first-innovation-hub-in-somalia-has-opened-in-mogadishu/
making digital waves across a country devastated by wars and
poverty. Integrating the #SomaliaRising hashtag to show the
growth of collaboration and connections.
Founder Abdihakim Ainte, “iRise,” states, “there’s an increased
need for these kinds of spaces in order to realize the full
potential of Somalia’s technology sector.”
The vision is bright for the growth of technology and the
building of hubs that encourage and support new ways of
applying, integrating, creating and building an avenue
that supports innovation.
One of the dynamic aspects of tech integration is cell phone
technology that allows for communication and access to global
resources. This is allowing young entrepreneurs to share their
knowledge and build connections that encourage the creation
of new companies and business initiatives.
STEM, STEAM, STREAM, STEMsquared and other related initiatives
are empowering, Africans with the platforms and tools needed
to make their dreams realities and to be the future employers
that create wealth and economic, educational and generational
progress and stability.
Resources:
Somalia just unveiled its first tech innovation hub
by Abdi Latif Dahir
September 07, 2017 Quartz africa
Twitter: @qzafrica
Robots are Giving Nigerian Children a Head-Start on STEM
http://skillsdevelopment.africa.com/robots-giving-head-start-on-stem/
NGOs Focusing on STEM Skills Development in Africa
http://skillsdevelopment.africa.com/ngos-focusing-on-stem-skills/
WAAW Foundation
Working to Advance African Women (WAAW)
Lagos-headquartered company inspires African women to be innovators.
Her2Voice
Her2Voice was founded in 2013 by six Rwandan women who share the
same vision of fighting for gender equality and inspiring girls.
@iLabAfrica
Located at Kenya’s Strathmore University, @iLabAfrica
Research and incubation facility that promotes technological
innovation and supports entrepreneurship programmes.
The Visiola Foundation
Mentors young girls and women in the STEM fields to create a
generation of leaders who will help transform African economies.
GirlHype
Girlhype has reached more than ten thousand girls and
introduced them to opportunities in computing and engineering.
JJiguene Tech Hub
Established in 2007 with the aSenegal’s first technology hub
run by and for women. Jjiguene means “woman” in Wolof, the
most widely spoken language in the country.
Addressing the shortage of ICT skills in Ghana.