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STEMpower, a non-profit organisation selling STEM training in Sub-Saharan Africa, has efficiently held its inaugural National Science and Engineering Fair, bringing collectively college students from Ines Ruhengeri, Kibogora Polytechnic, and Gitwe Adventist College who showcased groundbreaking tasks in ICT, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, biochemistry, coding, and game development.
Organized in partnership with the US Embassy in Rwanda and Case Western University, the science truthful aimed to offer college students with alternatives to showcase their creativity, problem-solving expertise, and modern concepts.
During the occasion held on February 14, college students pitched their tasks to a panel of judges, with the highest 7 out of 21 competing tasks receiving awards.
Before the science fair kicked off, a three-day coaching of trainers (ToT) was held finish final 12 months to equip the trainers with essential expertise they wanted to successfully prepare college students forward of the competitors. After the ToT, the trainers went on to coach 457 highschool college students within the three increased studying establishments, out of which 50 with the perfect tasks had been chosen for the National Science Fair.
According to STEMpower Rwanda Country Director Espoir Serukiza, the inaugural science truthful is of nice significance.
“We are happy to witness first-hand innovative prototypes by our very able students, projects that respond to real-world challenges. At STEMpower we believe that inside every child is a scientist regardless of their background, and that by empowering that child we can change the world. We have no doubt that if these students take forward the projects they have showcased today they will address some of the pressing challenges we are faced with today,” he mentioned.
He added: “We are grateful to all our partners, especially the US Embassy in Kigali and Case Western University, for bringing this initiative to life. We look forward to more impactful partnerships that benefit our young people who are not just the future, but also the present.”
Thindal Niyomahoro, a scholar from Gitwe Adventist College who obtained the award for greatest venture, applauded STEMpower’s efforts to help younger individuals.
“I am grateful to STEMpower and our schools for equipping us with hands-on STEM skills through their STEM centers, and going a step further to organize such competition that allows us to showcase our innovations and learn from each other,” he defined.
Meanwhile, Marissa J Polnerow, Deputy Public Affairs Officer on the US Embassy in Kigali, famous that the science truthful represents months of onerous work and creativeness. 
“I’m inspired by STEMpower Rwanda, and as Albert Einstein said, ‘imagination is more important than knowledge’. I encourage you [students] to use not just skills and information, but your imagination to create what’s possible. I’m deeply grateful for the leadership and vision of STEMpower as an organization,” mentioned Marissa in the course of the occasion.
Alexis Ntare, CEO of Rwanda ICT Chamber which, previous to the science truthful, offered trainers who ready college students for the competitors thanked the scholars for making use of their creativity and vitality, and demonstrating curiosity to be taught and create.
“While infrastructure and world-class trainers are essential, they would be meaningless without the students’ commitment, innovation, and creativity. We consider it a privilege to have been part of this dynamic and innovative community for such an extended period,” he mentioned.
STEMpower plans to carry extra science and engineering competitions, because the group seeks to reinforce hands-on STEM studying. Besides Rwanda, the group has held profitable science festivals in different nations in Sub-Saharan Africa resembling Ethiopia and South Sudan.
STEM Centers
STEMpower has thus far established 10 STEM centres in Rwanda, strategically positioned to offer various communities with hands-on laptop and electronics expertise and, in the end, bridge the digital divide.
Every STEM centre consists of a pc laboratory, and an electronics lab. By working intently with the upper training establishments that host these STEM centres, the organisation ensures that college students receive hands-on coaching to complement their theoretical classroom studying.
Overall, STEMpower has established 135 alike amenities in several nations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa resembling Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Lesotho, Uganda, Burundi, Burkina-Faso, Mali and lots of others.
