GSTEP 2025 Challenge to empower Ghana’s Future STEM innovators

An initiative which seeks to empower the next generation of Ghanaian innovators and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) education has been launched in Accra.The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge 2025 would provide a platform for students to apply their STEM knowledge to address pressing issues in their communities across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment.The GSTEP is funded by Fondation Botnar and implemented by a consortium of partners, comprising DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and the Practical Education Network (PEN).A news brief shared with the Ghana News Agency said the GSTEP 2025 application portal was opened, and invited Junior High School students from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions to submit their innovative STEM-based solutions to tackle real-world challenges.'This year's theme, 'Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Innovators,' is aimed at inspiring Ghana's youth to harness their potential in STEM to create impactful solutions for the nation's future,' it said.Speaking at the virtual launch of the Programme, Madam Olivia Serwaa Opare, Director of the Science Education Unit at Ghana Education Service, highlighted the pivotal role of STEM in shaping Ghana's future.'STEM is a key driver of innovation and progress in today's world. Through initiatives like GSTEP, we are providing our students with the tools and opportunities to be leaders in this transformation. I urge all students to seize this moment to showcase their talents and make a difference in their communities. The future is in your hands,' she said.Madam Afua Oforiwaa Asiamah Adjei, Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, expressed her optimism about the future of STEM education in Ghana. 'At DreamOval Foundation, our mission to equip young minds with the skills, tools, and forward-thinking mindset necessary to tackle real-world challenges drives us to continue the GSTEP Challenge. Over the years, we have witnessed incredible innovations from our young learners, and we look forward to seeing even more groundbreaking ideas showcased this year,' she said.Mr Siddhartha Jha, AI and Digital Innovation Lead at Fondation Botnar emphasised the foundation's commitment to empowering young people to become global innovators.'We fund the GSTEP Challenge because we believe in the power of young people to drive innovation and solve real-world problems. By supporting initiatives like GSTEP, we are helping to equip the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond,' he said.Source: Ghana News Agency