Saba Innovation Hub Holds First STEM Bootcamp

The Saba Innovation Hub in Tamale, northern Ghana, inaugurated its inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Bootcamp for basic schools. Over 80 students from rural schools in Tolon, Kumbungu, Sagnarigu Municipality, and Tamale Metropolis participated. These pupils were chosen as the top male and female STEM students from more than 30 schools in the region.

The hub also operates a mobile STEAM/STEM unit that travels to underprivileged rural schools to deliver hands-on STEM lessons. The absence of investment in STEM education has left many African nations lagging behind their global counterparts. In Ghana, children in disadvantaged areas, who often learn under trees without proper chairs, teachers, or teaching materials, are at a distinct disadvantage compared to their peers in private and urban schools.

The bootcamp commenced with an introduction to STEM and innovation, featuring practical demonstrations such as biogas generation from cow dung and video presentations showcasing the rise of Asian Tigers through investment in STEM education and profiles of innovators like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk. The subsequent days included sessions on robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and other related technologies.

Participants had the chance to construct and operate robots using the Hub's robotic and coding kits, aiming to equip them with the tools to address global challenges.

On the third day, the focus shifted to science experiments that aligned with students' chemistry, physics, and biology curricula. Engineering and mathematics practicals were also conducted, introducing children to vehicle engines and basic measurements like areas, volumes, and calculations. The final day was dedicated to creative arts, where experienced professionals taught creative techniques and supervised an exhibition of student prototypes. Three prototypes were awarded prizes to incentivize ongoing innovation.

Professor Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba, CEO of the Saba Innovation Hub and a Professor at the University for Development Studies (UDS), led participants through the STEM and innovation sessions. He urged the government, NGOs, companies, and philanthropists to help expand practical STEM teaching in rural schools across Northern Ghana.

Professor Saba highlighted that the hub has supported five startups at various stages and appealed for funding, noting that the hub currently relies on loans, the CEO's salary, and the generosity of a few friends.