As a dedicated lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kaufmann is on a mission to revolutionize the way science is taught not only in Ghana but also across the globe. She firmly believes that introducing practical science education at the foundational level will unlock the full potential of students, molding them into adept problem solvers for the future.
In collaboration with Dext Technology, her Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation is embarking on a visionary project named “Alpha.” This initiative champions the utilization of science sets in various schools, aiming to make the study of science more hands-on and practical.
Prof. Kaufmann emphasizes the urgency of this transformation, stating,
“The time for change is now, parents, teachers, and schools, we cannot compromise. We cannot afford to make a difference now. We need the change. Help us to make science more practical. Help us to make our education more relevant.”
Drawing from her extensive experience in training and interacting with science students, Prof. Kaufmann firmly believes that providing students with practical training from the early stages of their education is the most valuable investment we can make in their future.
Acknowledging the challenges of our times, she stresses the importance of proactive planning and investment in our youth.
“We want to train these young students to come up to be the problem solvers of the future,”
Prof. Kaufmann asserts, underlining the critical need to address current problems by nurturing a generation equipped with practical problem-solving skills.
Dext Technology, the Ghanaian company responsible for producing these science sets, is well-prepared to supply them to students across Ghana and beyond. Their Director of Strategy, Caleb Fugah, reports that, in partnership with the Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation, more than 200 schools in Ghana have already embraced this innovative approach to teaching science at the elementary level.
Fugah elaborates on the foundation’s primary focus, stating,
“The foundation focuses on primary four to six since they have introduced the new curriculum–the standard-based curriculum which focuses on practicals.”
He encourages schools to participate by registering on the foundation’s website, www.eekf.org, where teachers can access the necessary training to effectively integrate these science sets into their teaching.
The science set itself serves as an all-in-one laboratory, addressing the challenge faced by many basic schools without access to proper science facilities. With this tool, students can engage in various experiments, enhancing their hands-on learning experience and fostering a deeper understanding of science concepts.
At the event, a free online platform was launched (www.stemghana.org) which will enable both private and public basic schools have access to special code known as the STEMCODE to upload all STEM related activities being performed in their various schools. The platform is designed to assist the players in the STEM space monitor, recognize and reward schools and teachers that are committed to providing the necessary practical STEM education experience to our learners.
