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Greater Accra Finalist Teams of the GSTEP Challenge Inducted

The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) has inducted 25 finalist teams from the Greater Accra Region into the challenge. This event took place at the auditorium of the Latter Day Saints, Oyarifa on Tuesday, 20th September 2022. The GSTEP program is run by a consortium of 5 organizations led by DreamOval Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works-UK, MEST Africa, DEXT Technology & Foundervine-UK, who were all present at the event. Also present were the representatives from Ghana Education Service, Youth Ambassadors of GSTEP, mentors, and invited guests.

The 25 finalist teams who were selected from public and private schools in Greater Accra and inducted are Beyond Creation, Alpha S, Amigos, Best Brain, Big Sharks, Brainiacs, Democratic Team, EMJEEM, Future Stars, GaSMaTT, Genius Juniors, Healthy Ghana, Intellectual Power, Investigators, LPG Detector, Marvelous Squad, MINIEINSTEINS, Nunya, Primus Inter Pares, PS2A, Shining Star, Solution Squad, The Achievers, and The K’s Tech.
The entries of the finalists were selected for the Challenge out of over 800 entries submitted, received and assessed by independent assessors.

Ms. Constance Agyemang of Challenge Works gave an overview of the GSTEP Challenge journey thus far. She stated that this is a lifetime opportunity hence, it is essential that they take advantage of it, and give their best in building their prototypes.

Madam Olivia Opare, Director of Science Resource Centre of GES, graced the occasion and spoke about the importance of STEM Education in this era. She inspired them to use critical thinking, research, and innovative ideas to bring up solutions to issues threatening their communities and Ghana.

Mr. Siddhartha Jha, AI and Digital Innovation Manager of Fondation Botnar, in his speech to the finalists mentioned that the program is designed to prepare the leaders of tomorrow who can address societal challenges effectively by putting technology and critical problem-solving to good use.

As part of the event, the finalists participated in a series of workshops aimed at providing them with skills to enable them carry out their activities effectively during the program. The workshops were focused on STEM-based education, team building and collaboration, entrepreneurial skills, business plan development, prototyping and project development. The finalists also participated in a drone flying experience led by Ghana Flying Labs. The finalists were also assigned mentors who would be taking the finalists through a series of mentorship sessions over a period of two months.

GSTEP is funded by Fondation Botnar, a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and well-being of young people living in cities around the world. Advocating for the inclusion of youth voices and the equitable use of AI and digital technology, the foundation invests in and supports innovative programs and research, and brings together actors from across sectors to create dialogue and partnerships: www.fondationbotnar.org.

The program is also supported by key institutions in Ghana to advance the course of practical learning across the two regions. These key institutions are Fidelity Bank, Stanbic Bank, Multimedia Group, and Graphic Communications Group. The GSTEP Challenge is in its second year and is focused on improving the quality of education, creating opportunities for the youth, and providing solutions for local communities through STEM. The GSTEP initiative has been applauded by the Ministry of Education, Ghana and the Ghana Education Service.