The Women in Engineering (WIE) wing of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), led by its Chairlady, Engr. Mrs. Adjoa Agyinba T. Gyamera, has paid a courtesy call on Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The visit was to congratulate her on her historic rise to the second-highest office in the country and discuss collaborative efforts to promote STEM/TVET education among young girls.
In her remarks, Engr. Gyamera expressed gratitude to the Vice President for breaking barriers for women, emphasizing that her achievement serves as an inspiration for young girls across the country.
She highlighted the WIE’s flagship mentorship initiative, “Catch Them Young,” which engages girls in Basic and Senior High Schools to encourage them to pursue STEM/TVET careers.
She also noted that IET-GH offers scholarships to brilliant but underprivileged girls in tertiary education and appealed for collaboration from the Vice President’s office to expand the initiative.
Responding to the delegation, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended IET-WIE for their efforts in advancing STEM education.
She reiterated the importance of making science and mathematics more accessible, particularly by refining teaching methodologies and considering the use of local languages in instruction.
The Vice President referenced global examples from countries such as Japan, China, and Malaysia, where native languages play a key role in STEM education.
She also emphasized the need to recognize the engineering principles embedded in everyday activities, such as fish smoking, soap-making, having a clean environment through the use of biodegradable plastics, and sustainable solutions in waste management, as a way to make STEM/TVET relatable to young learners.
She encouraged IET-WIE to actively participate in the upcoming National Apprenticeship Program proposed by President John Mahama and assured them of her full support in advancing their mentorship and scholarship programs.
IET-WIE Chairlady formally invited the Vice President to their International Conference, which will be held in October, as a special guest speaker.
The meeting was attended by key executives of IET-GH, including Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng (President of IET-GH), Engr. Seth Ayim (Executive Director), Engr. Dr. Gyamera (Southern Sector Executive Member).
Others included Engr. Adjoa Agyinba Gyamera (IET-WIE Chair), Engr. Madina Seidu Adams (Vice Chair), Engr. Matilda Adane Okrah (Secretary), Engr. Delight Edem Norshie (Organizing Secretary), Engr. Anna Mensima Athur (Treasurer), and Engr. Dr. Miriam Eduful (Founding Chair).
The engagement marked a significant step towards strengthening STEM/TVET education and mentorship opportunities for young Ghanaian girls, reinforcing the role of women in engineering and technology.
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