DreamOval Foundation, the lead partner in the consortium implementing this year’s Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge, has successfully organised three outreach sessions aimed at equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to guide their students in the GSTEP Challenge 2025. These sessions, held across the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, saw the participation of over 1,600 teachers from 43 districts in the Ashanti Region, 29 districts in the Greater Accra Region, and 28 districts in the Eastern Region.
The outreach initiative provided teachers with a hands-on experience of the challenge’s application process, focusing on three key themes central to the challenge, lesson plans, and how to guide students through the entire process, from ideation to final submission. These sessions were crucial in preparing teachers to be active mentors in this year’s competition.
Speaking on the success of the outreach program, Keren Beecham, Programs Lead at DreamOval Foundation and Project Manager of GSTEP, said, “We have implemented this program because we want the teachers who are putting in applications for their teams to understand what the whole challenge is about. These sessions are crucial for ensuring that teachers understand not only the mechanics of the GSTEP Challenge but also the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation and creativity in the classroom. By training these educators, we’re laying the groundwork for students to develop impactful solutions that address the pressing issues in their communities.”
One of the highlights of the training was the interactive segment where teachers, divided into teams, answered application questions as their students would. They also designed and presented drawn prototypes, mimicking the creative problem-solving process that their students will undergo when preparing their entries.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Madam Abigail Coffie, a teacher from the Korley Klottey municipality, said,
“This training has been very educative; it is my first time being introduced to the GSTEP challenge, and I have gotten a lot of information. The interactive and practical aspect of drawing our prototypes and presenting them for feedback from fellow teachers was my favourite part. I now have a clear understanding of how to guide my students through the GSTEP process. I can’t wait to implement what I’ve learnt and see what my students come up with.”
Regional STEM Coordinators served as lead trainers throughout the outreach sessions, ensuring consistency and high-quality instruction. Their leadership was instrumental in guiding teachers through the intricacies of the GSTEP Challenge, from the themes to the technical aspects of developing STEM projects.
Mrs. Betty Buah, the Regional STEM Coordinator for Greater Accra, emphasised the importance of educating teachers to foster a culture of innovation.
“I have been with GSTEP since it started and even got to serve as a mentor twice and it has been very rewarding experience. Our goal with this outreach is to ensure that every teacher feels confident in mentoring their students through the challenge. Teachers are the bridge between the GSTEP platform and the students’ creativity. Through their guidance, we expect to see solutions that are both innovative and impactful, addressing real challenges in our communities,” she shared.
At the district level, STEM coordinators played a crucial role in managing the outreach, ensuring that teachers from all participating districts were properly presented and received the necessary training. The program ensures widespread reach, enabling schools in even the most remote areas to actively participate in GSTEP 2025.
Mr. Moses Avorkpo, STEM Coordinator for the Ladade Kotopong Municipal District, highlighted the significance of building this capacity at the grassroots level. He said;
“I can see from the faces of my teachers that they are enjoying what they are doing. Some are on board for the first time, but their enthusiasm and zeal for what they are learning is wonderful. With the knowledge provided through these sessions, I’m confident that the schools in our district will produce innovative solutions that can transform our local communities. The training has truly set a strong foundation for GSTEP 2025.”
With the GSTEP 2025 Challenge officially launched and applications open, teachers are now equipped to mentor students through the application process. The challenge invites junior high school students from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions to work in teams, applying their STEM knowledge to address pressing issues in their communities. The GSTEP themes focus on STEM-backed solutions that help us ‘Live Healthier’, ‘Live Greener’, and ‘Live Together’.
With the support of teachers and STEM coordinators, the application process is expected to be a smooth and enriching experience for all students involved. The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2024, with finalists having the opportunity to present their solutions at the grand exhibition and awards ceremony in 2025.
The 2025 GSTEP Challenge is made possible through the collective efforts of a consortium of partners, including DreamOval Foundation, Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN). It has support from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and is funded by Fondation Bortnar.
To apply for the GSTEP Challenge 2025, please visit www.gstep.org.gh