Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize Award ceremony takes place with STEM echoes

GSTEP stands for Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize. It is a dynamic educational program for Junior High School (aged 11-16) students in Ghana, aimed at providing young people with the opportunity to develop Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) skills to birth products that benefit local communities. The program is designed to inspire, encourage, and support students and teachers in Ghana to become inventors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Th competition involved 100 participating teams, which were drawn from various Junior High Schools in three regions of Ghana; Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti, to take home the ultimate prize of GH₵70,000 worth of STEM equipment for their school, as well as a computer, citation and souvenirs from sponsors.

100 finalist teams were inducted into the 2023 edition of The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge. 25 teams were selected from the Eastern Region, 35 from the Greater Accra and 40 teams from the Ashanti region. Over a period of three month, the teams participated in a series of mentoring and coaching sessions during which they developed prototypes of the ideas they submitted. They also developed a business plan and were introduced to soft skills including presentation and communication skills. The teams pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and presented their prototypes to the general public at an exhibition, held at the Accra International Conference Center last Thursday the 1st of February, 2024. The judges then selected the winners, who were announced and celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Conference Centre.

What was produced

Aqua Sentry is a team  from  Services Primary JHS in the Greater Accra Region. The team’s idea for the Challenge is a system that collects and analyses data in aquatic environments.

The Global Engineering Technology (GET) team from John Wesley Methodist Basic School in the Greater Accra Region. The team designed a device that will alert a driver behind the wheel who starts falling asleep.

The Light Bearers is a team from El-Ntiaddo School Complex – Abaam School in the Eastern Region. The team developed a security solar streetlights which will be given to the Abaam community.

GSTEP in the Ashanti Region

GSTEP in the Greater Accra Region

GSTEP in the Eastern Region

A Governmental recognition

Who are the Winners

At the end of the competition, AquaSentry of the Services Primary and JHS from La in Accra emerged as the first runner-up receiving GH₵45,000 worth of STEM products, while Light Bearers of the El-Ntiaddo School Complex at Abaam in the Eastern Region won the second runner-up position with GH₵23,000 worth of STEM items. The along each received a citation and several products from sponsors.

Global Engineering Technology (GET) Group from the John Wesley Methodist Basic School in Accra won the ultimate prize of the 2023 edition of GSTEP which won them the ultimate prize of GH₵70,000 worth of STEM equipment for their school, as well as a computer, citation and souvenirs from sponsors.

About DreamOval Foundation

DreamOval Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2013 with the aim of using knowledge to create a better society in Ghana. Its mission is to transform lives through knowledge creation, sharing, and utilization. The foundation focuses on bridging the knowledge gap through the creation of training programs, research, and development of innovative solutions. It collaborates with various organizations and institutions to achieve its goals.

About Fondation Botnar

Fondation Botnar is a Swiss philanthropic foundation that works to improve the health and wellbeing of young people living in growing cities around the world. It invests in emerging ideas, advocates for the inclusion of youth voices, and supports innovative programs and research, with a focus on the equitable use of AI and digital technology. The foundation collaborates with various organizations and institutions to achieve its goals, such as working with UNICEF on the African Youth Digital Innovation Platform.

STEM challenges provide hands-on learning experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical and creative ways. These challenges often involve activities such as building structures, conducting experiments, and solving real-world problems, which can enhance understanding and retention of STEM concepts. Engaging in STEM challenges helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to think creatively, analyze problems, and develop innovative solutions, which are essential skills for success in STEM fields and productivity of every environment or society.

More Information ℹ

• GSTEP
• DreamOval Foundation
• DEXT Technology
• Fondation Botnar
• GSTEP Resources