Get acquainted with science related courses - Aidoo

Sekondi, Jan.7 GNA – Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, has appealed to the youth particularly girls not to shy away from studying science, mathematics and technology courses.

He gave the advice in an address read for him at the closing session of the Second Western Regional Science, Technology and Mathematics Innovation Education (STMIE) Camp at Sekondi.

Some 335 Junior High Schools pupils from the 17 Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts in the region participated in the camp which was under the theme “Securing Our Future Through Science, Technology and Mathematics Innovation Education”.

Mr Aidoo said there are indications that the youth of today shy away from these subjects, which they regard as abstract and dreadful.

He said science and technology education is an important instrument in the country's search for sustainable development towards poverty reduction.

Mr Aidoo said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is committed to ensuring that students from the basic school levels receive the required basics in science.

He said government has also introduced Science, Mathematics and Technology scholarship to encourage the youth to read science.

In an address read for him, Mr Augustus Nii Lante Cleland, Regional Director of Education, said the camp was organized to help remove the fear of studying science and mathematics related subjects and to inspire females studying the subjects with self-confidence.

Mr Cleland suggested that district STMIE should be organized to encourage pupils in rural areas to develop affinity for science subjects.

Master Francis Kyei of Obinim Okyena JHS in the Shama District won the first prize for his project on water drawer, whiles Miss Mercy Appiah of Riss Presbyterian Model JHS in the Wasa Amenfi East District who prepared an organic herbal mixture for the control of pests and diseases in plants picked the second prize.

The third prize went to Master Philip Kyei of Benchema JHS in the Juabeso District for designing a hydraulic and electrically controlled excavator.

GNA