20 Nov 2024
Debmarine Namibia’s “I
Love S.T.E.A.M.” initiative inspires future innovators
Debmarine Namibia’s
commitment to nurturing future innovators and problem-solvers has taken shape
through its “I Love S.T.E.A.M.” initiative, an ambitious programme designed to
expose primary school learners to integrated Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) education. The initiative, launched in
partnership with Mindsinaction and in collaboration with Bold Creations, aims
to equip learners with essential 21st-century skills through hands-on learning
experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity and technical
proficiency.
The pilot phase of the “I
Love S.T.E.A.M.” programme began in July 2023, enrolling 117 students from six
primary schools across the Khomas Region. These schools included Olof Palme
Primary School, Keystone Elementary School, Namutuni Primary School, Hermann
Gmeiner Primary School, St. Paul’s College, and others. Throughout the two-term
programme, students engaged in eight-week modules that spanned diverse elements
of S.T.E.A.M. education, offering an integrated learning approach designed to
broaden their educational horizons.
The S.T.E.A.M. programme was thoughtfully crafted to provide learners with a
robust foundation in science and technology alongside arts-focused activities.
The curriculum included:
Science: Students conducted
Physics and Chemistry experiments to understand scientific laws and principles,
such as Ohm’s Law, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and Circuit Theory. Through
hands-on experimentation, they explored concepts of acids and bases, and even
created carbon dioxide, reinforcing core scientific theories in an interactive
setting.
Technology and
Engineering:
Robotics and coding formed the core of the technology module. Students built
robots equipped with sensors and motors to complete challenges on mission mats,
cultivating problem-solving skills. In the coding segment, students developed
digital stories, games, and animations using Kitten Coding, an educational
platform that introduces basic coding concepts.
Arts: Through collaboration
with Bold Creations, the arts component focused on color theory and
self-expression. Students created paintings, drawings, and string art projects,
which encouraged personal expression and creative exploration.
The programme taught the learners
to delve into S.T.E.A.M. concepts through interactive sessions on Robotics,
Electronics, and Art, designed to ignite their passion for these fields.
The initiative also
supported each participating school by awarding them a N$20,000 Science
Voucher, designated to enhance their science laboratories. This significant
investment in school resources will help foster ongoing scientific learning and
experimentation.
Beyond the Khomas Region, the initiative expanded to offer regional bootcamps,
reaching over 400 learners in the Hardap and //Kharas Regions and 100 learners
in the Omaheke Region. Schools involved in these activations included DD Guibeb
Primary School, Danie Joubert Combined School, Eaglesvale Private School, and
many more. These bootcamps enabled
The I Love S.T.E.A.M. has
expanded, reaching even more learners in the Kavango East and Zambezi Regions,
where 120 students from schools like Divundu Combined School, Rukonga Vision
School, and Impalila Combined School participated earlier this year.
Public
Engagement through Mall Activations
To broaden public engagement, Debmarine Namibia hosted mall activations in
locations such as Wernhill, Grove, Black Chain, and Okahandja Malls. These
events provided hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities to primary school learners,
allowing the public to witness the initiative’s impact on young minds.
