With a strong focus on developing STEM education in rural communities, the first edition of the Empowered for Transformation Seminar organized by Care Connect Ghana in partnership with the Hit the Book Campaign under Bioresearch Enthusiasts, sets to empower basic school learners with STEM education to foster national growth.
The one-day seminar brought together 259 students from six schools, introducing them to science in an exciting and engaging way.
A key part of the program was a STEM session that featured Foldscope 2.0, a simple yet powerful paper microscope, demonstrated by members of the Ghana Science Association. This activity aimed to inspire young learners to explore science beyond the classroom.
The event also was designed to spark curiosity, leadership, and self-awareness in young students, especially girls.
A member of the Next Gen. Network under the Ghana Science Association and a facilitator at the program, Emmanuel Addai, emphasized the importance of this approach.
“This is a science outreach and introducing them to these tools gets them excited about science. We show them what is in the microscopic world and how they can use paper microscopes instead of the more expensive ones,” he said.
He added that these efforts are part of a larger STEM mentorship initiative targeting underserved schools.
Founder of Bioresearch Enthusiasts, Nathaniel Boateng, said the vision of the seminar is to help rural children discover what they can achieve through science and education.
“We’re hoping that by doing this program, we’ll be exposing them to STEM, they will pick up an interest and also build some virtues and values for life,” he said. He however noted that the initiative lacked external support. “We got help from nowhere. We need funding and support from individuals to reach more children,” he said.
Beyond science, the seminar also addressed leadership, goal-setting, and personal development. Students were encouraged to be intentional about their decisions and dream big for their future. Young girls were given practical lessons on menstrual hygiene, including demonstrations on the use of sanitary pads. A total of 225 pads were distributed.
Abena Konadu Yiadom, a student from Abuakwa M/A JHS, expressed her gratitude for what she had learned.
“I’ve learnt to take my hygiene seriously and how not to stain my clothes when I menstruate. We thank them for this kind gesture,” she said.
A teacher at the same school also praised the program’s impact.
“Some of the girls are being criticized when they come to school during their period. But now, they’ve been taught how to stay clean and not miss class,” she noted.
With the success of this first edition, the organizers hope to reach more schools across the country. The goal is clear,empower young minds through science, leadership, and health education, one community at a time.