Denis Opudo
STEM synergy effective models in Africa constitutes of University STEM Outreach programs, STEM Centers, Virtual Computer labs and Science Museums. The other model includes Robotics Competition, Science Fairs as well as Science Shared Campus. Additionally, the synergy also plans to introduce TV series which is currently under production. The Ethiopian STEM synergy invests more in science and innovation promotion across the country.
According to the Getachew Gezahegn, STEM Synergy Country Director, there exist about 14 STEM centers in Ethiopia. The centers are made up of science and Technology University (AASTU), Science Museums operating in Addis Ababa, Axum, and Gonder. Moreover, the synergy also has Hawassa Universities, Bahir Dar, and Mekelle centers. He added that the program is scaling up from regional to national levels. The shared sciences experiences provide quality education to children in learning institutions across the country. The initiative process contributes to the sector’s GTP II targets. Getachew also noted that visualize computer labs facilitates computer literacy all over the country at low costs. The director also emphasized on the synergy motto ‘Inside every child, there is a scientist’ as the pillar of quality science.
Anteneh Fisseha, Coordinator of Bishoftu’s Foka Science and Engineering Center, the system provides benefits to the local students. The innovative skills further help in shaping the students’ future careers in the long run. Gelfand Family Charitable Trust donated and funded materials and modern technologies to STEM centers. The support allows students and other experts to conduct practical scientific and innovative experiments. The disciplines under consideration are Engineering, mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Electronics and Electricity Coordinator, Abate Kassa, on the other hands said that many students have benefited from the support and practical sessions provided by the centers. He added that teachers are also encouraged to make good use of the centers to help them improve their theoretical skills.
