The managing director of Opportunity and Risk Management Institute (ORMI) has called on Ghanaian private sector and industries to take keen interest in the creativity of children at junior and senior high school levels. The call comes on the heels of the ongoing third edition of the Volta Regional annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical Fair (VOLTA STEM Fair) from Friday and Saturday (5th & 6th July,2024), hosted by St. Pauls Senior High School, Denu in the Volta Region.
Speaking to the organizers, the ORMI Ghana MD, Madam Stella Aku Attakpah who is passionate about the development and education of children expressed optimism for the event and seriously called on the private sector industries and the general public to invest in children’s creativity at their growing stage.
“It is always a pleasure for me to be around children who are excitedly tapping into their curiosity to create wonders. My call goes to private sector industries to show interest in the creativity of children at this age. Build synergies with them by encouraging them in the direction that will grow their interest in helping them communities. To adults (teachers and parents) always encourage your children to shine their light. And so it shall be, as you say it to them.”
She also encouraged the participating students to develop their God-given talents.
“And for the children, I say, every child is born intelligent and with a talent. Therefore, dig deep into your creative abilities, and the result will amaze you.”
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This year, 18 schools are participating under the Senior and Junior categories for first, second and third positions with juicy prices. There are also 12 consolation prices to be given out to other participants. In all, 80 student inventors are in the entry under the supervision of 22 Science facilitators.
Madam Attakpah reminisced on the three-year journey of ORMI VOLTA STEM Fair so far;
“The first edition was organized in partnership with ACDA (Abor community development association) at Abor SHS. As a first experience, it was an exciting one. We plunged into it without really knowing how it was going to come out. The excitement was maximum. The efforts of the students were extraordinary. Even though there a few challenges, the event was very successful. The 2nd edition also organized in Abor SHS was obviously better organized than the first. From 8 schools in the first edition, we are now at 22 schools showing interest and 18 final participants”.
She noted that, the objective of the Fair (open to all junior and senior high schools in the Volta Region has remained the same to help students develop their innate talents in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Read Also: Volta STEM Fair 2024
Madam Stella Aku Attakpah expressed appreciation for the great efforts of the facilitators of the past two editions, who have helped in organizing the third event as well.
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“In the future, we plan to add the arts to it. This will give the opportunity to our Artists to delve deep into their innate abilities to bring out the creativity within themselves. This year, the core teachers from the first two events organized themselves into a planning committee that took over the organization of this year’s activities. This spontaneous help shows their commitment to the continuation of the fair. It has also taken a lot of pressure off my shoulders”, she stated.
