Rural School Innovation camp
The rural school innovation camp is a collaborative effort between community development organizations that share into the same strategic objectives for building communities through social initiatives.
With the realization of third world countries and economies face a myriad of challenges and among those challenges, a rather pressing one is the digital divide, which leads to an imbalance in terms of opportunities.
To try to address this, as a collective we saw an opportunity to design a program/project that inspires innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking to the youth in rural areas through setting up innovation camps that are driven by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We were compelled to think of this potential project since we believe and agree with the saying that goes, "talent can be found anywhere but opportunity is not".
Project justification is that, STEM education can play a pivotal role in the development of rural economies since the skills that are passed on involve problem solving and the ability to come up with new ideas. It is also believed that by 2020 close to 80% of the jobs will require STEM knowledge or skills as the world and economies adjust into the fourth and possibly fifth industrial revolution.
PROJECT GOALS
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The innovation camp is a residential camp for science students in grade 10 and grade 11. The camp has three main programs as listed below.
Science and innovation
The camp is a space where young people are exposed to different fields in STEM. The students are offered a critical and core curricular program but also an extensive practical programs where students are taught to make their curriculum meaningful. We believe that knowledge is powerful but practicality makes one extra ordinary hence we get our students to use the innovative skills they learn through the programs to identity and bring a solution to a social issue in their community.
Career guidance
The innovation camp also provides careers development workshops where students are exposed to different careers in STEM. Students receive inspirational talks from fitting role models in STEM. Furthermore, the camp equips students with necessary skills to successfully tackle their matric exams. We also provide assistance with issues like university applications, NBT, applying for funding and related all application related matters.
University readiness
The camp has a social skills programmer that teaches Students to become self-aware and aware of their surroundings. We help students to become integrated with their society and even to peers they do not know, all of which are skills that are essential for university life.
CAMP ACTIVITIES
The Ideal time for the innovation camp would be during school holidays in September. The thought of program activities for the camp will include the following.
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Science and innovation
Core curricular mathematics and Physical Sciences lessons
Information Technology and programming workshops
Scientific writing workshop
Science Practical skills and Laboratory Work
Robotics and engineering skills
Sustainable Development Goals
Compulsory Community innovation Project
Career development
Introduction to careers in STEM
Role model presentations
How to Apply to university
Preparing for matri
University readiness
Team building activities
Social skills development
Extra-mural activities such as open-ended discussions.
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The camp is open to all student who wish to be part of it provided the meet the application criteria.
Requirements
Student must be in grade 10 or 11
Hold an average of 65% in Mathematics and Physical Science and 70 % for all their subjects combined
Student must commit to attending the camp for the full duration and completing all necessary activities.
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