STEAM fairs aimed at harnessing potential of students
DPI. Guyana, Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The Ministry of Education (MOE) is actively committed to raising the quality of life of every child through education, and within its strategy is the biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fair.
‘Aquaponics’ Exhibit at the Annandale Secondary School.
The STEAM fair is an important event in the MOE’s calendar of activities. The fair is usually hosted by all educational districts individually to ensure the maximum participation of Nursery, Primary, and Secondary schools across the country, after which a national competition comprising winners in each category in the regional level is held. This year the Georgetown Education District hosted the National Fair.
The Ministry of Education is working on ensuring that all Guyanese children, regardless of geographic location, language barriers or socio-economic circumstances have the ability achieve their full potential.
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry recently underscored the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in the development of the country’s future generation at the opening of the 2018 National STEAM Fair.
Speaking at the event hosted at the St Joseph High School, the minister explained that the national fair forms part of the ministry’s strategy to promote science and technology in school settings.
“The movement of STEM to STEAM by adding arts to the technical creativity is the foundation for advancement in all fields… it is indeed through such a platform that educators can bring forward the right kind of ideas and innovations that will provide a boost to this critical sector of our educational system.”
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry.
This fair, which aims to promote STEAM in schools and the wider society, is a tribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) that speak to a global commitment to end poverty as a requirement for sustainable development.
Region Four’s District Education Officer (DEO), Immanuel Bridgewater said: “As a ministry, we recognise every child is unique and has the potential to make a significant contribution towards the development of a green and sustainable development.”
Additionally, Bridgewater noted “it is against this background the educations system’s committee, under the guidance of CEO Marcel Hutson, coined the theme ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics paving the way for a green and sustainable society”.
Over the years, this biennial event has transitioned and evolved from a simple science fair to the Science, Technology, and Mathematics exhibition it is today. It has seen the eventual addition of Engineering and now for the first time in Guyana, the incorporation of the Arts.
Participants are encouraged to develop their confidence in applying STEAM principles in order to build a strong foundation for national and global energy management.
It is the MOE’s hope that the skills learnt throughout the Regional fairs sparks an interest to contribute to the promotion of development and widespread application of scientific and technological innovations in the lives of the younger generation.
Region Four District Education Officer (DEO), Immanuel Bridgewater.
By: Nateshia Isaacs