STEMGuyana – a local tech education company has been continuously expanding across Guyana.
With laptops from Digicel and a My Robot Time (MRT) kit from STEMGuyana on February 22nd, 2023 STEM coach and Hopetown Primary School alumnus Bradley Downer, launched a STEM club at the Hopetown Primary on the West Coast of Berbice. The club was launched in the presence of parents, students, and teachers of this school.
Downer shared his inspiring journey to STEMGuyana and being a STEM Coach with the students whilst highlighting and expounding on the benefits of the club.
At the club, these students will learn about scratch coding technology, robotics and robot programming. While participating in these clubs, students get to develop various life skills such as; public speaking, problem-solving, and critical thinking, amongst other skills.
The equipment was handed over to the teachers of the school, however, the club would be managed by Coach Bradley Downer, Ms. Krystal Sheppard, Ms. Atisia Harper, and Ms. Jael Joseph [teachers of the
school].
Downer handing over the laptops to Ms. Sheppard and Ms. Harper
Ms. Krystal Sheppard and Ms. Atisia Harper are currently being trained by STEMGuyana. The club currently has about 16 students.
Downer told this publication, “In 2019, the school won a kit and free training from STEMGuyana. However, I recently uplifted the kit… I also solicited donations from Digicel to ensure that the students and teachers have sufficient equipment they need to run the club.”
He said, “Digicel came on board and gave 2 laptops as they are committed to youth development.”
He further stated, “I am passionate about youth and community development. In 2019, I conducted a STEM talk at the school and the kids were interested. And as alumni of the Hopetown Primary, I wanted to give back to my alma mater and this was the best way I could have done so. This club will assist these students in developing various skills which they will use throughout their lifetime.”
Ms. Sheppard, teacher of Hopetown Primary stated, “I am grateful for having the STEM club in our school. It is a good initiative that will help us to create well-rounded individuals. Managing the club so far has been a success, our children are very eager to learn and participate.”
Another teacher, Atisia Harper noted that she is euphoric to have a stem club at the Hopetown primary school.
She mentioned, “I believe that this STEM club helps pupils in academics, public speaking and team work. Me. Downer is doing an excellent job managing the clubs and getting the pupils involved. The pupils are eager to learn on club days and are even interacting with each other on other days to discuss and this gives me the courage to continue this program.”
The Head Mistress of the school also expressed how thankful she is for a club being launched at the school, as she believes it will allow the kids to be more developed.
STEMGuyana’s Executive Director, Karen Abrams said, “We are happy that Hopetown is now a part of the STEM club league. Technology plays a critical role in our society today and will be a more important component of Guyana’s tomorrow so it is imperative for our young people to be exposed to a constantly evolving technology education program. We are pleased to play a role in the development of our future leaders from Hopetown.”
The parents also commended both Downer and STEMGuyana for launching the initiative, as they were impressed by Downer’s presentation and determination to launch the club there.
