Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Delta State, Dana Eyo-Enoette and Take Lead Technologies has taken its STEM Hub Boot Camp for children between seven and 13 years old to six schools in the state.
The inaugural programme was held from Monday, April 22 to Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo STEM and Innovation Centre in Iyara, Delta State.
Addressing journalists, the founder of TakeLead Technologies, Ayesha Elike, said the initiative was 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.
He said the boot camp offers a developmental curriculum tailored to young learners, taking into consideration their socio-cultural circumstances and educational backgrounds.
He added that during the five-days programme, children were taught the fundamentals of electronics, Arduino programming, coding, basic robotics, and STEM product innovation.
“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 trashcans, code-controlled motor wheels, and motion-controlled LED lights, to special guests of the day; their teachers.
The co-visioner, RIF and Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom 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, the special adviser to the governor of Delta State on SDGs, Eyo-Enoette, applauded the facilitators and participating schools.
“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,” Eyo-Enoette said.
Some of the teachers in attendance at the demo day, Mrs Gold of Holy Cross School and Mrs Folake of Monesto School expressed excitement about the initiative, thanking the monarchy and also advocating for the continuation and expansion of the programme to include other schools across Warri and Delta State.
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 the Queen Consort to educate, enlighten and empower the youth and people of Warri Kingdom for a brighter future.
