By Editor
In order to catch the children young and and make them technologically inclined, the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) in partnership with the office of the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Delta State-Dana Eyo-Enoette and Take Lead Technologies has taken its STEM Hub Boot Camp for children between 7 and 13 years old to six schools in Delta State.
The inaugural programme was held from Monday 22 April to Friday 26 April 2024 at the Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo STEM and Innovation Centre in Iyara, Delta State.
Addressing journalists, Ayesha Elike, Founder of TakeLead Technologies said the initiative is to mentor 25 children from six schools, namely, Monesto School, Holy Cross School, Morning Star School, Merit School, Great Knowledge School, and Clever minds Free School, all located in the Iyara community of Warri, Delta State.
Elike said that the STEM Hub Boot Camp is designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3,4,5, and 10.
Elike said the boot camp offers a developmental curriculum tailored to young learners, taking into consideration their socio-cultural circumstances and educational backgrounds.
Elike, said the interactive boot camp and that, during the five-day programme, children were taught the fundamentals of electronics, Arduino programming, coding, basic robotics, and STEM product innovation.
Elike said that the children were also given individual learning skits and that on the programme’s grand finale and demo day, the children presented their STEM products, which include automated trash cans, code-controlled motor wheels, and motion-controlled LED lights, to special guests of the day; their teachers.
Co-visioner, RIF and Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom HRH Olori Atuwatse III commended the efforts of the children, partners, and foundation’s staff “This programme is a milestone accomplishment for quality foundational education in our region. Educating and empowering the youth of Warri Kingdom is crucial for our societal progress.
“Through initiatives like the STEM Hub Boot Camp, we ignite curiosity, encourage innovation, and cultivate resilience in our young people, keeping them gainfully engaged and shaping them into active contributors to our kingdom’s development and the nation as a whole.”
In a similar vein, Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on SDGs, Eyo-Enoette, applauded the facilitators and participating schools noting that “the STEM Hub Boot Camp will significantly transform the learning landscape of the kingdom, raising children who are excited about STEM and how the knowledge will bring change to the educational landscape of the kingdom and integrate SDG-driven solutions.
Some of the teachers in attendance at the demo day, Mrs Gold of Holy Cross School and Mrs Folake of Monesto School expressed their excitement about the initiative, thanking the Morachy and also advocating for the continuation and expansion into other schools across Warri and Delta State.
Eyo-Enoette, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on SDGs, applauded the facilitators and participating schools at the STEM Hub Boot Camp 1.0.
She expressed her thoughts on the programme’s potential to revolutionize the learning experience of beneficiaries, especially in the field of STEM.
In her words “The program aims to inspire and engage children, encouraging them to explore STEM and its potential for creating sustainable development solutions”.
On the demo day, two teachers, Mrs Gold of Holy Cross School and Mrs Folake of Monesto School, expressed their enthusiasm for the programme and thanked Morachy for their efforts.
They also encouraged the continuation and expansion of the programme to other schools across Warri and Delta State.
Speaking on the Continuation of the programme, Ogechukwuabiago Ezeobiorah, COO, RIF
stated “ Royal Iwere Foundation under the leadership of the Warri Monarchy is pioneering STEM education by establishing a STEM lab and powering the STEM Hub Boot Camp because
it believes in providing quality foundational education to kids.
“The boot camp will metamorphose into a bi-weekly school club because continuing education is the key to the sustainable development of the children.
“RIF is opened to partnering with individuals, organisations and institutions that share a belief in nurturing the future of children and want the South-South region of Nigeria to reach its fullest potential.
“We want to take this programme to other communities in Warri and beyond and establish more STEM Labs. Partner with us” she says.
The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) is a non-profit organisation established by the Sovereign rulers of Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR and Her Royal Highness to educate, enlighten and empower the youth and people of Warri Kingdom for a brighter future.
RIF is dedicated to fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship through targeted SDG oriented initiative.
