On the 24th and 25th of January 2024, finalists of the 2023 GSTEP Challenge from the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions showcased innovative projects they had developed to address problems in their communities. The GSTEP Exhibition Ceremony came off at the foyer of the Accra International Conference Centre
The event saw the finalists showcase prototypes such as educational equipment and materials, mobile applications among many other innovative projects. These projects and ideas were developed by Junior High students with support from their teachers, mentors and coaches.
On both days, schools, parents, STEM enthusiasts, educators and members of the general public visited the various booths to explore the projects and ideas of the student exhibitors. The exhibition offered the opportunity for non-participating students and educators to see the opportunities available to them in STEM and encourage them to look beyond the theoretical teaching and learning of STEM subjects.
During the exhibition each finalist team explained the idea behind their project, why they developed it and how their prototype can be used to solve a particular issue or problem. The event also gave the participating schools the opportunity to market their products to prospective individuals who may be interested in their projects. The event offered the finalists the opportunity to build on and practice their communication skills.
The event also saw some key dignitaries within government, the education sector, diplomatic corps, traditional community and private sector view the various projects developed by the students. Representing the President of Ghana, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Madam Frema Osei-Opare, visited the various booths of the finalists. The Minister for Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Director General for Education, Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Swiss Ambassador, Simone Giger and the Osu Mantse, Nortse Nii Nortey Owuo IV were among key dignitaries who viewed the exhibition by the finalists.
The triumph of the 2023 GSTEP Exhibition can be credited to the commitment of the finalists who dared to dream and ceased the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities when it arose. The dedication of the mentors, coaches and STEM coordinators who assisted the finalists to think through their ideas and make them materialize into unique products and solutions is highly commendable.
The GSTEP Exhibition was not just a display of STEM prototypes by students but a showcase of the capacity and capabilities of Ghana’s youth with the support and partnerships of both the public and private sector.
