Support robotics inspired science education to unleash Potentials - Foundation

Dr Yaw Okraku-Yirenkyi, the co-founder and Director for the Ghana Robotics Academy Foundation (GRAF), has urged government institutions and other stakeholders to requisitely support talented young ones in Engineering, to unbridle their hidden potentials in the country.

He advised the Government to prioritise Science, Technology and Engineering education among others because, they are meant to produce innovators for development.

Speaking at the 2018 Robotic Inspired Science Education Awards (RISE) Ceremony on Saturday, he said the programme was mainly focused on overcoming the teething challenges impeding the progress of the foundation.

He said the foundation as its mandate, was solely focused on systematically, addressing the problems being faced, with regard to contributions and funding from the Government, philanthropists and other stakeholders.

“Ghana Academy Robotics Academy Foundation wants to create problem-solvers, not just a handful but many”, he noted.

Dr Okraku-Yirenkyi said the Foundation was more focused on building poised innovators who could translate theories into useful outcomes, which can be used to solve real life problems in the country.

He reiterated the challenges facing the foundation, saying, the Government crucial role in supporting their modus operandi, cannot be overlooked, if the foundation is to achieve its aims and objectives.

“Without doubt, the Government has a role to play to effect the needed change, however, the GRAF cannot and will not just sit and wait for the Government to act”, he added.

He stated that the Foundation had been achieving its objectives by organising Robotics Inspired Science Education workshops, competitions and motivational sessions encouraging the establishment of Robotics clubs in neighbourhoods, churches, mosques and rallying to participate in national and international competitions such as RISE and the World Robot Olympiad (WRO).

Speaking on the achievements of the GRAF since the year 2011, he said about 80 students have had the opportunity to participate in international competitions and training camps.

“At least, 4 Rise students have gained admissions to top class universities in the United States of America through the programme”, Dr Okraku-Yirenkyi added.

He stressed on the need for financial support from stakeholders and other benevolent individuals to assist in sending out trainers.

He also urged them to consider linking the foundation to respective institutions, organisations, groups and individuals who are relishing the opportunity to help them to achieve their objectives.

The three most prestigious awards under the Autonomous Rescue Challenge (ARC) went to the Methodist Girls Senior High, Mamfe in the Eastern Region Under 21 years, Dayspring Montessori International School-Under 16 years and Right to Dream Academy-Under 12 years. Prempeh College, Opoku Ware School, Archbishop Porters Girls among others were also awarded in their respective categories. Dr Elsie Effah Kaufman, a Ghanaian Biomedical Engineer and the Quiz Mistress for the National Math and Science quiz was the guest of honour at ceremony.