Vodafone Foundation trains 150 girls in STEM
Many women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science education and careers. Ghana is no exception as girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses in secondary schools is still lower than that of boys.
Factors such as the false belief that science related courses are ideally for boys influences girls’ participation in science in Ghana.
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As part of measures to increase girls’ participation in STEM related courses in schools, the Vodafone Ghana Foundation has trained over 150 girls in digital skills.
Participants received training in Application development, Arduino and Electronics, Robotics, Cybersecurity and Block Language Programming.
The training forms part of the foundation’s contribution to mark this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Speaking at the event in Accra last Friday, the Head of Vodafone Ghana Foundation, Rev. Amaris Nana Adjei Perbi, said the programme formed part of his outfit’s “BirthdayStars” initiative which engaged its staff members in initiatives each month to celebrate internationally recognised commemorations of the UN by embarking on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS).
He explained that it was also in line with the organisation’s STEM initiative to empower more people.
He added that to ensure continuity and sustainability, 30 girls who would emerge winners in the STEM competition would be mentored and given scholarships in STEM to help in their career path.
“My advice to girls is that they should to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. They have learnt a lot today and that will go a long way to help them to be productive,” Rev. Perbi stated.
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on the 11th day of February by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015.
The international day recognises the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.