WiSTEM Ghana Camp assembles 320 girls to explore STEM education

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) at KNUST, led by Professor Jerry John Kponyo, highlighted the crucial need for women and girls to be more involved in STEM education during the 7th WiSTEM Ghana Camp. This year's event, themed "Give to Gain: Spark Her STEM Power," assembled over 320 girls to inspire and provide them with the necessary tools to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Despite considerable progress in girls' inclusion in STEM, Professor Kponyo emphasized that the country must continue to strive for greater participation. The WiSTEM Ghana Camp, which supported the initiative with its resources, aimed to develop the skills and confidence of young girls to pursue STEM opportunities. Kponyo stressed the importance of hands-on experiences, parental, teacher, and institutional support, and community involvement in nurturing girls' interest in STEM.

During the camp, participants engaged in practical sessions, laboratory activities, and field trips, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-life problems. RAIL's support for the program is driven by the belief that no gender should be left behind in technological advancement, and it seeks to provide exposure and support to girls interested in STEM.

Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, appreciated the university's ongoing support for the WiSTEM Ghana Camp and urged more stakeholders to invest in STEM education, research, and innovation. He also called on industry players and individuals to provide more mentorship, industrial tours, and internship opportunities to ensure that young girls in rural and underserved communities can also benefit from STEM investments.