Project Title: Nurturing and Enhancing STEM Education in Sierra Leone

Collaborators: Develop Africa Inc., Dext Technology Ltd.

Summary

According to a report from the Sierra Leonean Education Ministry, schools in the Pujehun District of Sierra Leone have been underperforming in the country’s transition exams. This trend is even more alarming in science-related fields. This project aims to support and enhance STEM school education via first-hand laboratory science experience by providing laboratory kits and supplies for schools in Pujehun. The outcome of this initiative will be to transform how students learn and view STEM disciplines by engaging them early in well-designed laboratory experiences, with the hope of reinforcing their scientific interests and capabilities and of inspiring them to pursue a college education.

Background and Accomplishment

In October 2021, I received a $10,000 seed grant from the Pennsylvania State University to live out my dream of promoting STEM high school education by developing laboratory activity in my hometown, Pujehun. This was a pilot of the initiative. The goal was to examine the outcome of this first engagement to decide the way forward. Our collaborators from the startup Dext Technology in Ghana delivered science set laboratory kits and trained 25+ teachers on the use of these science kits (Figure 1). The highlight of the training and engagements with Pujehun schools is detailed at this link (https://sites.google.com/view/jvs-projects4pujehun/home).

Figure 1. Students holding up a completed Activity of the digestive system (top right), sample Dext Technology science kit boxes (top left). Pujehun students (bottom right) experimenting with a science set kits (bottom left).

The outcome proved compelling as both teachers and students (primary and secondary) were delighted to work with the science kits and were highly engaged in mastering the laboratory experiments. In October 2022, I visited Pujehun and was further excited to hear the overwhelmingly positive feedback of these science kits to promote STEM learning. Specifically, the Science Set Max Laboratory Kit (Figure 2) was found to be the most valuable and most aligned with the syllabus of the courses and with national curriculums.

 

Figure 2. Dext Technology manufactures the Science Set Max Laboratory Kit in Ghana (thescienceset.com). The science set empowers students to create technologies and offers them practical applications in physics, engineering, and mathematics.

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Present Need

As I interacted with the teachers and listened to their evaluations and recommendations, all the schools expressed one main challenge: the number of science set kits was insufficient to teach the entire class as the students had to gather in groups of 5+ to interact with the science set. After speaking to each school, I realized that it would be most effective to work with a few schools at a time and provide them with enough science kits for classes of at least 60 students.

With the help of Develop Africa, I am now raising the funds to equip each STEM student with their own science set. Four schools would benefit initially, two primary schools and two secondary schools. If successful, I dream that this initial effort will ultimately spill over to all the regional and beyond schools.

Amount to be raised $4580

Number of schools) × (Number of students) × (Cost of a science kit)
+ (Estimated cost of delivery and training) = 60 × 4 × $17 + $500 = $4,580

I am delighted and determined to run my way to achieving this target. I initially wanted to accomplish 100,000 steps in one day, hiking the Great Smoky Mountains. After consulting friends and experts in the area, it became clear that completing the 100,000 steps would be best achieved by breaking it into chunks over a more extended period. Starting February/March 2023, I intend to partake in the Joggin' 4 the Noggin 5K Run and hike across the Appalachian Mountains. Below are the first trails I plan to explore:

I will complete one hike per month. I plan to embark on these hikes until the goal of $4,580 is met. I will update you on my journey at the beginning of each month via my social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, and this webpage).

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Where you come in

1. Support this project by donating to reach the target of $4,580.
2. Join me for a long hike/run - contact me for details.  
3. Donate school laboratory resources.
4. Spread the word, and share widely on social media.

 

Benefits

Every donor will receive a tax receipt from our partner Develop Africa. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Donate $100+: You will receive regular updates with pictures and videos.

Donate $500+: You will receive special recognition from the beneficiaries.

Donate $4,580: The schools will hang a plaque recognizing your generous support.

 

Project Leader
Joseph V. Sengeh
Research Scientist, Eastman
Johnson City, Tennessee, United States