Karachi, 18 July, 2023 (GNP): Thanks to a US government-funded grant, 24 Pakistani students, both male and female, from three schools in Karachi, are currently participating in the renowned Space Camp at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The initiative aimed to boost Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Karachi schools. The US Consulate General in Karachi partnered with The Dawood Foundation’s (TDF) MagnifiScience Centre, the implementing partner, to extend this program to 50 schools across the city.
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Furthermore, the US grant was comprised of three components: STEM training for 100 Pakistani teachers, educational field trips for over 1,000 students to the MagnifiScience Centre, and a culminating science project competition.
The primary goal of the grant was to stimulate an increase in STEM education and empower Karachi schools to enhance learning outcomes by allocating more resources to train staff. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science-related fields, meeting the rising demand for STEM graduates in industry, academia, and research.
Moreover, the United States has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting STEM education in Pakistan through various educational programs, including sending Pakistani students to Space Camp in 2011 and 2015. The US emphasizes inclusive STEM education, green technologies, and entrepreneurship to foster sustainable economic growth globally.
US Consul General Nicole Theriot expressed her delight, stating, “I am thrilled that we were able to send such bright and talented young students to Space Camp in the United States as a reward for their creativity and commitment to further developing Pakistan through green technologies and entrepreneurship.”
She further claimed, “We are proud to promote the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’ framework, focused on supporting Pakistan as it strengthens climate resilience, pursues energy transformation, and fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
“I’m confident these students will continue to grow in their education and make important contributions to Pakistan – and the world – to help meet the pressing needs of the present and future!”, General Nicole added.
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The inter-school competition focused on eco-sustainability and entrepreneurship. After a panel of judges chose eight students and one teacher from three schools as part of their winning projects, all three teams, comprising a total of 24 students and their three teachers, recently flew to Huntsville, Alabama, to take part in Space Camp.
However, the winning projects showcased the remarkable results achieved through teamwork, collaboration, and innovative thinking. The winning teams and their projects are as follows:
1. KMA Girls & Boys Primary School’s team: “Chicken Feathers – Go Green before the Green Goes,” using chicken feathers to create paper.
2. Evergreen Elementary School’s team: “Anti-Sleep Glasses,” featuring glasses with a built-in alarm to reduce driver fatigue-related accidents.
3. KMA Boys Secondary School’s team: “Plastic Road,” exploring the use of waste plastic to create roads with a lifespan of 50+ years.
