This program gives free English + STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education to primary-aged children in Arusha, Tanzania. Children from low-income homes now have access to educational material needed to thrive in the 21st century. Students learn coding, robotics, financial literacy, scientific theories, and methods. Children also participate in many hands-on STEAM-based projects.
In 2006, Tanzania introduced its Science and Technology and innovation (S&T) policy to implement STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education in primary and secondary schools. However, according to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, STEM education is not seen as feasible or affordable to local communities and schools. Teachers do not receive adequate training and many locals are resistant to change.
Golden Aya STEM Afterschool program has gathered Ph.D. professionals in STEM fields to help train and guide our teachers on how to implement STEM into their everyday lessons. Golden Aya will continue to host teacher/parent workshops to show parents how beneficial STEM education is to their children. The S&T and ICT policies were put into place for Tanzanians to thrive in the 21st century. Our free afterschool program will train students how to type, send messages, code, problem-solve, and more.
Over 36 students will be trained and educated in STEM education each year. As they have already done before, students will take the projects and lessons that they have learned at our program and introduce them to their peers and local schools. According to our data, exposing children to STEM education will increase their interest in pursuing STEM professions. Students also will see themselves as leaders in their developing communities and become more confident using STEM tools.
