WiSTEMGh Girls Camp 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), it has become increasingly vital to bridge the gender gap and encourage the participation of young women. Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Ghana (WiSTEMGh) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, recognizes this imperative and seeks to bridge this gap by conducting strategic counseling and mentoring in secondary and tertiary institutions, providing career guidance workshops, and needs-based mentoring for STEM career women.
WiSTEMGh recently hosted the fourth edition of the WiSTEMGh Girls Camp, which united selected female students pursuing general science at the Senior High School level. This five-day camp revolved around the theme "Innovation and Technology for STEM Education in Ghana: Empowering the Female Student."
A team of WiSTEMGh members was constituted to plan the 4th edition of the WiSTEMGh KNUST Girls’ Camp.
The participating schools were chosen from the Ashanti and Western North regions, with 48% of the attendees coming from category C & D senior high schools. The 2023 edition of the Girls' Camp successfully brought together 250 students and 50 teachers from 26 selected Senior High Schools. Running from September 4th to September 8th, 2023, this week-long camp played a significant role in offering a distinctive, immersive, and captivating experience for high school girls across Ghana.
The primary objectives of the camp included introducing these young minds to the vast opportunities available in STEM fields, dispelling stereotypes, sparking their curiosity, and fostering the confidence needed to pursue careers in these areas. On Monday, September 4, 2023, female students from selected Senior High Schools in the Ashanti and Western North Regions arrived at the Africa Hall. The Africa Hall of the University served as the accommodation for both the girls and their educators.
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The following day, Tuesday, September 5, 2023, marked the commencement of the program with the Opening Ceremony. This significant event was presided over by Prof. Marian Asantewaa Nkansah and featured a keynote address by Prof. Mark Adom Asamoah, who also serves as an advisor to the Minister of Education in Ghana. Delving into the theme, Prof. Mark Adom-Asamoah, shed light on the crucial aspects of the theme, STEM education, Innovation, and the role of Technology in STEM, Gender bias, and how to encourage girls in STEM.  The Opening Ceremony also saw the presence of other distinguished guests, including Dr. Mrs. Antwi Appiah, Prof. Ibok Oduro (President of WiSTEMGh), Mrs. Gloria Temmah Gambrah (Special Assistant to the Ashanti Regional Minister), and Ms. Jemila Abdulai (Head of Digital and E-commerce at Stanbic Bank Ghana). The Head of Digital and eCommerce at Stanbic Bank, Jemila Abdulai acknowledged the critical role STEM plays in today’s technological environment and reiterated Stanbic Bank’s commitment to encourage development in this pivotal field of study.
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Subsequently, the young women were grouped for Mini projects, during which they were tasked with presenting their project ideas upon completion. These project groups were overseen by experts from various STEM disciplines. The groups included:
- Groups A, O and P (Biology)
- Group B (Computer Science)
- Group C (Textiles)
- Group D (Ceramics)
- Group F (Publishing Studies)
- Group G (Leatherwork)
- Group H and N (Food Science)
- Group I and J (Chemistry)
- Group K and M (Pharmacy)
- Group L (Mathematics)
- Groups S, T &U (Engineering)
- Group Q and R (Physics)
On the third day of the program, the participants engaged in a captivating session where they learned how to create and deliver effective pitches using PowerPoint presentations, which proved valuable for their Mini Project Challenge. Additionally, they dedicated the remainder of the day to advancing their Mini-projects. Simultaneously, the tutors were actively involved in a workshop aimed at enhancing their capacities through innovative methods.
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On the fourth day of the program, the participants benefitted from a presentation by Prof. Eric Appau Asante, the E-learning Director, who discussed online resources for teaching and learning. Additionally, a representative from Stanbic Bank conducted a session on financial fitness. Moreover, there was a panel discussion on career choices, featuring representatives from various organizations, including CSIR-FORIG, Ghana Science Association, Medical and Dental Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Pharmacy Council, Allied Health Professions Council, Ghana Institute of Engineers, Ghana Mathematics Association, and Stanbic Bank. The participants also had the opportunity to embark on an industrial tour of several different industries and institutions, which encompassed visits to KCCR, FORIG, BRRI, DBS, CRIG, Central Laboratories, and the Asokwa Branch of Stanbic Bank.
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The fifth day marked the culmination of the event with the Final Pitching Competition and Closing Ceremony. Following a brief acceptance speech by the Chairperson, the final pitching of mini projects took place. Out of all the participating groups, five groups namely C, H, J, Q and T qualified to present their projects to the Grand Panel. Each group delivered impressive presentations, and the Panel awarded the three best presenters. Group Q, whose project focused on Phantoms of Breast Cancer, secured the third-place award. Group C, specializing in the Extraction of Dyes, claimed second place, while Group H took the top spot with their brilliant project on the Rapid Analysis of Aflatoxins in food. Awards were presented to each of these accomplished groups.
The event also featured an expression of gratitude and applause for the overall Planning and Organizing Team, acknowledging their exceptional efforts. Prof. Ibok N. Oduro, President of WiSTEMGh, delivered the closing remarks, shedding light on the future of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. She praised the outstanding work accomplished by the students and encouraged educators to offer more hands-on guidance to their students. Prof. Oduro suggested the establishment of WiSTEM clubs in all the participating schools. Subsequently, certificates were distributed to the girls and their tutors. As the Closing Ceremony concluded around 2 p.m., participating schools commenced their departures.
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KNUST as the primary sponsor of the WiSTEMGh Girls Camp, generously provided support for accommodation, transportation, and meals, ensuring a successful and enriching experience for all participants. Additionally, the College of Science contributed by offering the Main Auditorium and several classrooms as well as the college pick-up for the Girls' Camp. Further support was received from the College of Health Sciences, specifically the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. In addition to the involvement of KNUST and its affiliated organizations, this year's camp received generous support from a range of sponsors. These sponsors included the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Gas Company Ltd, Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd, Mensin Gold Bibiani, Toyota Ghana, Cargill, Golden Star Wassa Limited, West Coast Gas Ghana Ltd, Multinec, Kingdom Books and Stationary, Melcom, as well as contributions from various individual benefactors. Additionally, we were fortunate to receive in-kind sponsorships from Twellium Industries, Wilmar Africa, Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL), Soncis Bags, and Voltic.