Paynesville – METS Afrika4D, an organization preparing the next generation with the requisite tools of critical thinking, creativity and effective communication skills through the STEAM program, has launched its first private-public partnership.
STEAM is the acronym for Science Technology Engineering Arts Math.
The launch, which was under the theme, “Bridging the STEAM Gap in Liberia,” was held at the Paynesville City Hall on Wednesday, June 27.
It was an eye-catching event as the four groups, comprising of young students from several high schools in the country, displayed their innovative skills in the areas of science and technology.
One group of the young students created Bubble-ology out of water, dashes washing soap and baking powder.
Another of them baked an egg through a solar oven, which they made from aluminum foil. According to them, the solar energy is clean and the risk to damage the environment is low.
A third group produced a correction fluid from the thick fluid sieving out of grated cassava.
The last group comprising of three young ladies displaced their technological skills as they created an app for a smartphone.
Delivering a special statement on behalf of Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor, the Senior Policy Specialist in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Anthony V. Kesselly, praised METS Afrika4D for the organization’s tact, focus and perseverance in helping the students to develop an interest in Science and Technology.
According to Kesselly, the STEAM program will help greatly in the drive for infrastructure development, especially at a time when the Liberian government has laid emphasis on road networks across the country.
He continued: “I should, therefore, take this moment to convey to you the encouragement and good wishes of His Excellency, Ambassador George Manneh Weah, who himself stands in the avant-garde of the conscious push for infrastructure advancement of our nation and the advancement of the education and training of our youth.”
Giving the introduction of the program earlier, the Founder and Chair of METS Afrika4D, Madam Marjanne Baker, said at STEAM, they are trying to bring to the pupils, 21st century things. Ms. Baker further stated that STEAM is an after-school hour program.
Also speaking, the founder of Daily Observer newspaper, Mr. Kenneth Y. Best commended the students for their brilliant performance in Science and Technology.
Because of his interest in Science and Technology, since February of 1981, the Daily Observer newspaper has always carried a weekly column on Education, which includes Science and Tech.
He then pledged his full support in promoting and publishing METS Afrika4D’s activities.