Tackling STEM Challenges From the Root

As I stepped into their classroom, I could see the inquisitive look on their faces. Even though they had been briefed by their school principal about my visit, I could still see their beautiful faces urging me to speak when I stood before them.

This was my first visit to Interkince Primary School. The school is one of the oldest schools located in Amaekpu Community in Ohafia Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria. Despite being one of the oldest schools in the area, it was a bit shocking to discover that there are no existing science and computer laboratories. Most of the teaching tools are obsolete, most of the classrooms have no ceilings and many of the students are studying under unhygienic conditions.

Early this year, when I launched STEM Club project to encourage more young girls in primary and secondary schools to learn basic programming skills and build strong foundations in science subjects, my main aim was to address the growing lack of interest in science subjects among young girls. However, I have discovered that there could be other underlying challenges why many young girls may be losing interest in pursuing STEM careers.

This project has really opened my eyes to some of the challenges young girls in rural areas face compared to young girls who study in urban areas. Aside challenges such as poor roads, lack of steady power supply, and poor internet network; girls who study in rural areas especially in developing countries like Nigeria also face the challenge of being taught by unqualified teachers. Most qualified teachers do not want to live in rural areas mostly due to some of the challenges they will encounter such as low pay, poor teaching tools and limited access to professional development.

STEM is the bedrock of every developed country and a good grounding in science subjects will create opportunities for many young girls.

It is quite painful for me to see \"our future computer scientists, scientists, doctors, pharmacists, teachers, engineers etc\"studying under poor conditions. Most of the kids in the school are very eager to learn but then I often do wonder how we expect these kids to \"think out of the box\" studying in suchenvironment.

Not every young girl has the opportunity to go to a good and well equipped school.

Thanks to The Pollination Project USA for supporting the STEM Club project and to my amazing friend Tamarack Verrallwho donated science kits to the school.

I have visited two more schools since the project started and I am still mapping out plans to visit more schools. Throughthis project, I am also encouraging moreyoung girls not only to confront their \"maths fears\", and build strong foundation in science subjects, but also to build their self esteem, become more innovativeand speak out about their challenges.