This is a microproject to help finance the participation of poor public school students in iNERDE's STEM summer camps in Mali, West Africa (projects/stem-in-africa "STEM Education in Africa: Changing the Equation"). In 2016, this campaign reached its fundraising goal and we provided scholarships to 30 kids. We would like to do the same in 2017.
Public schools in Mali do not have even the basic equipment to teach science and technical subjects - no chemistry labs, no microscopes, no computers, no internet - despite dedicated teachers and decent instruction. iNERDE for the last three years have given poor children in West Africa hands-on experience with STEM projects with incredible results but we don't have enough money to subsidize them this year. Help give African kids a chance to prepare for the modern world.
If we reach our goal poor 30 kids will have the chance to have a life-changing experience learning innovation, creative problem solving and STEM skills.. In addition to learning and gaining a new perspective on their opportunities in life, these poor kids will get a nutritious meal each day, optimizing their learning experience and promoting social equality. One kid that was given a scholarship last year is now on Mali's National Robotics Team along with 2 of his classmates. We change lives.
Mali, like many countries in Africa, is far behind the rest of the world in living standards and the types and levels of opportunities offered to their citizens. We believe that Africans must solve their own problems - and they are doing it - and that, today, competence in technology, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation are key ingredients every country needs, no less Africa. iNERDE is starting at a critical age and creating the future leaders with critical skills that will reshape Africa.
