Teaching STEM to schools in Latin America
Our colleagues from STEM Punks recently returned to Australia from their 3-week teaching tour of Latin America, generously supported by a $300,000 grant from the Orica Impact Fund.
The highly successful tour saw a team from STEM Punks teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at 11 schools (4 in Medellin, Colombia, 4 in Calama and Tocopilla, Chile, and 3 in Arequipa, Peru), with 500+ students participating with an average of 60 students per class, aged 8 – 16. 130+ teachers participated in personal development workshops – a significant focus of the program to ensure long-term success.
The STEM Punks program aims to create equality, equity, and diversity in STEM education while inspiring future innovators.
When describing his time in Peru, Damien Aldridge, STEM Punks Education Director, said,
“Teaching students in Year 11 and witnessing the success of this program unfold has been such a rewarding experience in Peru. It was inspiring to watch the students and teachers engage as they learnt new STEM tools as well as the Design Thinking process. A huge thank you to our industry partners, Orica and GroundProbe, for making a difference through education for these children in regional communities across Latin America.
When asked about the importance of STEM education, David Noon, GroundProbe’s Chief Executive Officer, said,
“By providing immersive and fun learning experiences backed by a deep transfer of knowledge, the program will make it easy for these young students to learn 21st-century skills and, importantly, fall in love with STEM. Our joint aim is to leave a living legacy behind that will serve the students, the educators, and the community for years beyond the completion of the program.”
With year one of the three-year program complete and knowing this Orica Impact Fund initiative has already created such a positive community impact, we are excited to plan for tours in 2024 and 2025.
Working together to deliver positive global community engagement programs.
For more information visit:
GroundProbe Press Release