A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Wuraola Owolabi Capacity Building Initative (WAOO), has taken its 3-in-1 projects to public primary schools to encourage students at the grassroots to embrace science subjects.
The 3-in-1 Project is an Education Support Initiative which includes setting up of Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Club, No Tattered Uniforms (NUT) in Lagos Public Schools and Scholarship for 100 Indigent Engineering Students at Entry Point (100) in University and Polytechnic.
Mrs Wuraola Owolabi, the initiator of the project, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it had started the project from Ifako-Ijaye Community Public Schools.
She said the idea is to touch lives of children in public schools, inspire and motivate them to study science related courses and to bring them up as Tech-Kids.
Owolabi said it would be holding the STEM Club classes in science laboratory, to introduce the pupils to science from elementary to advanced classes.
“It is most important to catch them young, shape and sharpen their brains.
”We have initiated timetable for 18 sets of kids, Robotics, Geoboard, Smart, Artificial Intelligence, Speed Mathematics, Technology and Engineering Kids.
”Today, we have introduced them to Solar Energy Stove and the classes continue as the students will be coming every Friday from 1p.m. to 4p.m.
”We want to use these children as community ambassadors through technology.
“It is also part of our advanced stage to teach them coding through which they can develop different apps for their communities.
”So, we’re turning Ifako-Ijaye to Tech Community,” she said.
Wuraola said the students are future Tech-Kids of Ifako-Ijaye, and that there is the need to support them.
She said some pupils wear tattered uniforms, while some do not even have school uniforms, adding that the solution was captured in the 3-in-1 Projects.
Owolabi said that sown uniforms, school sandals and stationeries were generated from its investigations and findings.
She said that most of the pupils came from less-privileged homes, children of commoners who probably could not afford these basic requirements.
Owolabi also said that there would be scholarship schemes for 100 Indigent Engineering Students at the point of entry (100 level) in the university.
She, however, appealed to individuals, philanthropists, private/public organisations and government to support the initiative to enable her extend the programme to students in other communities and secondary schools.
NAN reports that the project was formally flagged off at the Fred Williams Memorial Primary School, Iju-Ishaga, Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos, on Thursday.
Mrs Ajibola Rotimi, representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, described the initiative as a welcome development, interesting endeavour and laudable.
Rotimi said that the initiative would create opportunities for the young students, especially the girl-child, to develop interest in science and build a career in related courses.
She said that STEM is important and would assist in problem solving and exploratory learning that brings success in various tasks and challenges.
“Scientific background plays a very important role in a student’s life, how to learn, think, approach issues and helps them to stay focused.
“Innovation and technology are key as they bring transformation.
”It is the bedrock of social-economic, integration and harmony.
”Be assured that plans are ongoing to transform the state to a smart city,” she added.
Rotimi said any society or nation that wants to be reckoned with globally must be grounded on applications of STEM to growth and development.
Mr Olamilekan Jagbon, Education Secretary, Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Education Area, said Wuraola had exhibited a high level of commitment to the grassroots and in particular to community education.
Jagbon said Wuraola is passionate about the welfare and success of the children.
”She enrolled students in Ifako-Ijaye public schools in different academic competitions where they emerged winners and won awards.
”She is significantly making impart in Ifako-Ijaye, both in education and welfare.
”We have over 1,000 students from this community gathered here today for this wonderful programme and I must say that we are happy and impressed,” he said.
NAN reports that Wuraola used the occasion to mark her birthday.
She donated books, Stationeries, Sown School Uniforms and Materials, Bags, Sandals and Socks to the students.
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