In a small community in the Ashanti region of Ghana, a group of young girls dared to dream big. Priscilla, a 15-year-old student from Uaddara Basic School, led her team, the Genius Six, to create something extraordinary, a practical solution to a real-world problem that has touched the lives of their peers and community.
Their invention, the Illuminated Child Road Safety Device (I.C-RSD), is a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and the impact of the Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge.
Priscilla’s journey began when her school joined the GSTEP Challenge, a program designed to inspire young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For Priscilla and her team, GSTEP was not just a competition,it was a gateway to a world of possibilities.
“We were able to make this because our school participated in GSTEP,” Priscilla shares, her voice filled with pride. “It’s a program where we learned science, engineering, and math in ways that connected to real life. Ever since we started learning STEM skills, we’ve been able to bring real-world problems into the classroom and find practical solutions. These skills allowed us to turn our ideas into reality.”
The Illuminated Child Road Safety Device is a shining example of this. Designed to enhance road safety for schoolchildren, the device is a creative and practical solution to a challenge Priscilla and her team observed in their community. But the impact of their invention goes beyond its functionality. It’s a symbol of what young people, especially girls, can achieve when given the tools, training, and confidence to succeed.
“Usually, it’s mostly boys who focus on science and technology,” Priscilla explains. “But we proved that girls can also do it. We participated in the competition and won the 2022 Ultimate Prize.”
The Genius Six’s success is a reminder of the potential that lies within every young person. Through GSTEP, Priscilla and her team gained more than just technical skills, they gained confidence, creativity, and a belief in their ability to make a difference.
The GSTEP Challenge provided Priscilla and her team with opportunities to apply what they learned in meaningful ways. Through the GSTEP events such as Industry Visits and resources, the girls gained firsthand experience of how STEM concepts are applied in real-world settings. These engagements sparked their creativity and inspired them to develop their road safety device.
But the impact of GSTEP extends far beyond the Genius Six. Their story is one of the many and a beacon of hope for other young people in Ghana and beyond, proving that with the right support and opportunities, they too can break barriers and create change.
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, we reflect on the journeys of young innovators like Priscilla and the Genius Six. Their story shows that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, it’s about using that knowledge to make a positive impact on society.
The GSTEP Challenge, funded by Fondation Botnar’s Fit4Future programme, is a shining example of how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change. The documentary featuring Priscilla and the Genius Six is part of its Impact Generation Series, which amplifies the voices of young innovators transforming their communities. This collaboration underscores the importance of uniting global resources with local initiatives to empower young people, particularly in underserved areas.
Priscilla and her team have shown us what’s possible. Now, it’s our turn to ensure that more young people have access to the same opportunities. Together, we can harness the power of STEM education to create a brighter tomorrow for all.
Let Priscilla’s story inspire you. Let it remind you of the incredible impact that education, creativity, and determination can have. And let it challenge you to be part of the solution.
Watch the full documentary below.
