The Ghana Education Service (GES) has marked the International Day of Girls in ICT as part of efforts to create ICT opportunities and awareness among girls in Ghana.
Every year on April 25th, girls around the world observe the International Day through the efforts of their countries and governments. The Science Education Unit in Ghana celebrated the event on Thursday, April 25, 2024, with the theme “Leadership”.
Information available to Ghana Edcuation News is that the theme of the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT celebration was “Leadership.”
Globally, experts describe the “Leadership” theme as a significant and opportune theme for ICT and girls at this pivotal juncture, aiming to enhance girls’ skill sets by integrating both ICT and leadership
The Science Education Unit (National STEM Resource Unit) of the Ghana Education Service hosted the event, which attracted 150 students from various schools in the Greater Accra Region.
To observe the day, the students participated in a variety of activities, including a quiz competition in ICT and robotics and various practical sessions in STEM.
We hope that the International Day of Girls in ICT and other GES programs will significantly enhance the knowledge and skills of ICT and robotics learners through effective STEM education and activities, thereby igniting girls’ interest in IT and engineering programs.
In recent times, the Ministry of Education has introduced STEM schools and programmes at the basic and secondary school levels to chart a paradigm shift from the traditional education system and programmes towards one that hinges on STEM, hence the STEM and Model schools at the SHS and basic school levels.
In 2023, the Ministry of Education announced the full operationalization of seven science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) schools.
Ghana Education News can confirm that, the Ghana has the following STEM schools at the SHS level: The Awaso STEM School in the Western Region, Abomosu STEM School in the Eastern Region, Bosomtwe Girls STEM School and Bosomtwe STEM School, both in the Ashanti Region, while the Koase Sec/Tech (already existing school) is located in the Ahafo Region, the Accra High School (engineering only) in the Greater Accra Region, and the Kpesemkpe STEM School (newly constructed) in the North East Region.
The Computerized Schools Selection and Placement (CSSPS) for the 2023 academic year also included the seven schools.
5 benefits of STEM education and robotics specifically for girls in Ghana:
- Empowerment: STEM education and robotics can empower girls by providing them with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
- Career Opportunities: It opens up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as engineering, computer science, and technology, where there is often a high demand for skilled professionals.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Girls can develop strong problem-solving skills through hands-on activities in robotics, which can be applied to various aspects of their lives.
- Creativity and Innovation: STEM education encourages creativity and innovation, helping girls to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.
- Critical Thinking: It promotes critical thinking skills, enabling girls to analyze information, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems.