Ashanti Region’s recent GSTEP Pitching and Judging event was indeed a dynamic showcase of the intersection between creativity and STEM concepts in the development of unique solutions to challenges in communities and society at large. From the 28th to the 30th of November 2023, 40 teams from the Ashanti region were grouped into three cohorts to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. These cohorts were finalist teams from within and surrounding areas of Obuasi and Kumasi.
The three-day event in the Ashanti Region, took place at the Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS) and the agenda for the day started with registration of teams and set up of prototypes. The day commenced with a very exciting and energizing student-led opening dance focused on lightening the mood and relaxing the anxious nerves of the students preparing to pitch. Mrs. Keren Beecham, the Programmes Manager for the DreamOval Foundation coupled as the MC, initiated the proceedings of the day by introducing the Judges and the 2023 GSTEP Challenge finalists.
Mr. Adams Issifu, the Ashanti Regional Coordinator for STMIE and STEM education graced the occasion, beautifully. He thanked all present and appreciated how far the teams in the region had come. He encouraged the finalists to mount the stage with confidence and show how their unique prototypes will solve societal issues without mincing words. The finalist teams had 15 minutes to pitch their ideas, demonstrate their prototypes and respond to questions from the judging panel.
As part of the events, finalists were actively engaged in workshop sessions, focused on Entrepreneurship and Patency and Career Development. These sessions were geared towards encouraging the students to develop an entrepreneurial approach to learning and applying STEM subjects while supporting and encouraging them to find interest in STEM careers.
At the end of each day, finalist teams from diverse educational institutions and districts interacted, capturing group moments through pictures. Each event ended with expressions of gratitude from the MC, accompanied by concluding remarks from the judges to the GSTEP Challenge finalist teams present.
