100 teachers from the Eastern, Greater Accra and Ashanti regions participated in a virtual pre-induction event for the 2023 GSTEP Challenge. The event was held on Friday 7th July 2023 to introduce the selected finalist teams to the GSTEP programme and provide them with the needed information as they prepare towards their induction events.
The teams were welcomed by the Executive Director of the DreamOval Foundation, Afua Asiamah Adjei. Miss Adjei congratulated the teams for being selected into the programme and encouraged them to actively participate in the activities and events lined up to ensure they successfully complete the programme. She also highlighted the support the GSTEP team will provide each finalist to ensure they are well resourced and prepared for the programme.
Keren Beechem, the Programmes Manager for DreamOval Foundation explained the events and activities lined up for the finalists throughout the GSTEP programme and emphasized key timelines that needed to be adhered to. She also addressed key concerns by the finalists and provided clarity on key aspects of the programme.
The Project Coordinator for DreamOval Foundation, Mina Asabea provided the finalists with guidelines on what was expected of them throughout the programme. She also highlighted the support that the GSTEP team will be provided to ensure that finalists are able to successfully complete the programme. The Communications Lead for DreamOval Foundation, Efua De Heer, also explained how information will be disseminated and how finalists can reach the GSTEP team for support. She also encouraged finalists to leverage social media to showcase their journey and work during the programme as well as engage with the GSTEP team on social media.
Other members of the GSTEP consortium including Constance Agyeman from Challenge Works, Rhoda Fletcher from MEST Africa and Christian Sackey from DEXT Technology provided information on the 2023 GSTEP programme, mentorship and coaching respectively. These sessions provided the finalists with clarity on the activities lined up for them in the coming months and how they will be supported to develop their business plans and prototypes.
The DreamOval Foundation, through programmes such as the GSTEP Challenge, continues in its mandate to equip and support Ghana’s youth to develop STEM skills and knowledge. In the coming months, over 500 students will be provided with STEM knowledge and soft skills which will be applied practically through the development of solutions that address societal challenges.