A team of Scientists from the local Research Staff Association of the Institute of Industrial Research (IIR), under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), visited the Madina Cluster of Schools to promote STEM education.
The team also took the opportunity to stress the importance of personal hygiene and the dangers of examination malpractices.
The team was led by the local executives Ing. Samuel Tekpetey, Dr. Ing. Theophilus Amponsah, Dr. Maame Adwoa Animpong, and Dr. Elizabeth Von-Kiti, together with a sub-section of members drawn from various divisions of the Institute.
The visit featured interactive sessions aimed at sparking students’ interest in STEM education and raising awareness on other important themes such as career selection and opportunities
During interactive sessions, Ms. Anna Monney Hammond and Dr. Elizabeth Von-Kiti emphasized the importance of STEM education and encouraged increased female participation in fields such as engineering, technology, and scientific research.
Ms. Monney highlighted the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to these fields, crucial for innovation and societal progress.
She urged girls to pursue their interests in STEM, advocating for the breakdown of barriers and stereotypes hindering their engagement.
Additionally, Dr. Ing. Theophilus Amponsah exposed the final year students to various options for their secondary school education.
The researchers provided information on different academic tracks, vocational training opportunities, and potential career paths in STEM fields.
This information was intended to help students make informed decisions about their future education and career choices.
Dr. Maame Adwoa Animpong, ably assisted by Ms. Bosompemaa Gyamera and Ms. Rafia Abdul-Samii led a session during the outreach program focusing on sanitation and personal hygiene.
The section particularly focused on addressing menstruation as a natural aspect of womanhood.
Dr. Maame Adwoa Animpong stressed the importance of embracing menstruation without fear or stigma, emphasizing it as a normal and healthy part of life.
The team provided practical guidance on hygiene practices, including the use of sanitary products and regular cleaning, encouraging open discussion among students to foster mutual support and confidence.
To support final-year students, the team distributed mathematical sets and sanitary pads, aiding in exam preparation and personal hygiene.
Ing Samuel Tekpetey, Dr Boniface Antwi, and Mr. Leonard Ocran on the need to avoid examination malpractices encouraged the students to trust in their abilities and uphold their integrity.
Information on secondary school options and career paths in STEM was also shared to help them make informed decisions.
The Madina Cluster of Schools, which includes primary and junior high schools, welcomed the initiative with open arms. Headteachers and staff of the various schools within the cluster expressed their gratitude to the CSIR-IIR team, stating, “This visitation has been an eye-opener for our students. It has provided them with practical insights and has undoubtedly sparked an interest in STEM subjects while also teaching them essential life skills and values. We look forward to more collaborations like this to enrich our students’ learning experiences.”
For more information, contact:
CSIR – Institute of Industrial Research (IIR),
Phone: + 0302-500193 / 0302-500195
Email: info@csir-iir.org
Website: [www.csir-iir.org](http://www.csir-iir.org)