Students produce solar energy device at STME clinic

Cape Coast, Sept. 7, GNA - Six science projects, comprising an artificial incubator, edible oil produced from orange seeds, a solar energy device and poultry feed are among projects being produced by junior secondary and senior secondary school students in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District, at this year's Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME), clinic.

The six projects, which are among a total of 26 being undertaken by the students, have been selected for participation in the Central Regional Science Projects competition.

This was made known, by Mr Francis Koomson-Barnes, District STME Coordinator, at the official opening of the clinic at the Aggrey Memorial Secondary School, at Cape Coast on Monday.

The clinic, which began on Friday, is under the theme: "Scientific and technological education - The hope of the nation." There are 67 girls and 16 boys participating in the clinic.

Mr Koomson-Barnes, reiterated the objectives of the clinic, which were among others, to demystify the learning of science, technology and mathematics related subjects, as well as provide the students with the opportunity to pursue science, mathematics and technological education to the highest level possible.

In a speech read for Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports he explained that given both the biological and socio-cultural roles of women, their knowledge in science would be a bonus for all.

He observed that women could become an instrument for poverty alleviation and sustained healthy communities, when given the right scientific training.

Mr Baah-Wiredu pointed out that it was for this reason that the STME programme should be considered an important intervention and tackled with the seriousness it deserved.

He expressed gratitude to the District Assembly for sponsoring the clinic and called on all stakeholders in education to encourage as many girls and boys as possible to patronise the STME clinic every year. Mrs Sarah Victoria Wilson, Headmistress of Mfantseman Secondary School, who presided, advised the participants to take the clinic seriously and exhorted the girls not to be afraid of science but to be optimistic that they could do as well as the boys in the subject.