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Two more schools embrace STEM programme |29 July 2019

Two more schools embrace STEM programme

The Anse Royale secondary and Anse Aux Pins primary schools are the two latest institutions to embrace the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme.

The programme, initiated by the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (Nisti), seeks to promote STEM education among young people and to equip them with knowledge and skills that will eventually be useful to them in the future.

Under the programme, students from primary to secondary will be introduced to concepts including basic hands-on computer training, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, internet of things and air space management in the modern age among other new and emerging technologies, better known as Frontier Technologies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Nisti aims to have a STEM programme through the launch of STI Clubs. The aim is to have a STI Club in each secondary school by 2020. Currently, Beau Vallon, Grand Anse Praslin and Anse Boileau secondary schools are the only public schools with an STI Clubs programme.

Talking about the importance of the programme, Nisti’s chief executive Xavier Estico stated that it is imperative to improve and increase interest in STEM education since the world is evolving at a fast pace and technology is at the forefront of all development.

According to Mr Estico, Nisti is faced with numerous challenges to implement the programme in all schools due to lack of manpower.

“But we have realised that despite these clubs, there is no continual effort to sustain the programme and to maintain interest and we decided that the way to bring interest in STEM education is to step in and run a programme with the school based on themes that are important for now and the future,” said Mr Estico.

The STEM programme will be launched at other schools that show interest in developing awareness of the Frontier Technologies.

The accompanying photographs show students and guests at the launch of the STEM programme at the Anse Royale secondary and Anse Aux Pins primary schools.

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