DIPPER Lab showcases innovations to young STEM learners at Kumasi STEM Build Lab

The DIPPER Lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) showcased two of its innovations to students and parents from the Kumasi STEM Build Lab.

 The innovations, the Automated Neonatal Exchange Transfusion Device (ANET) and HerdWatch, were developed under the Going Global Partnerships Grant supported by the British Council.

The showcase formed part of efforts to inspire young learners to pursue innovation and demonstrate how technology can be used to address real-world challenges.

The students, drawn from Denkyemuoso Basic School and German-Ghanaian International School, completed the three-week Kumasi STEM Build Lab pilot, an initiative created and led by The Sylvia Obeng Foundation in collaboration with the Rural STEM Education Development Club (RSEDC), which served as the programme's implementation partner.

As part of the programme, the students also presented STEM projects they developed during the training, while guests toured exhibition stands, interacted with the students, and learned about their innovations.

The Kumasi STEM Build Lab is an initiative of The Sylvia Obeng Foundation designed to introduce students to hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through practical, project-based learning.

Founder of the Sylvia Obeng Foundation, Yaa Obeng, said “investing in children through STEM education is an investment in the future, adding that “the skills and opportunities provided today will shape tomorrow's innovators”.

Headmaster of Denkyemuoso Basic School, Mr. Ebenezer Yankey, said he was impressed by the projects developed by the students after the three-week training.

He said “introducing STEM education at an early age would help nurture children's creativity and problem-solving skills while preparing them to develop solutions to local challenges”.

President of the Rural STEM Education Development Club (RSEDC), Dennis Appiah, said “the programme brought together 12 students from Denkyemuoso Basic School and German-Ghanaian International School to provide practical STEM learning opportunities”.

Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab, Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, reaffirmed the laboratory's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote STEM education through partnerships.

He noted “the lab is ready to collaborate with the organisation to develop strong project proposals and build partnerships that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Prof. Tutu Tchao also commended the programme's approach of bringing together students from both public and private schools, describing it as an opportunity to promote peer learning and collaboration.

Deputy Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab, Dr. Andrew Selasi Agbemenu, encouraged parents to “support their children's curiosity and provide opportunities for them to explore science, technology and innovation”.

Headmaster of German-Ghanaian International School, Mr. Albert Osei-Wusu, stressed the need for “the initiative to be sustained beyond a single event to ensure its long-term impact on students”.