STEM is all about creativity, exploration, experience, skills, analysis, decision-making, motivation, inspiration, flexibility, curiosity, teamwork, communication, sustainability and being ready to respond to real world challenges. In Angola, such challenges include water pollution, food production, recycling, and renewable energy, all of which are tackled through the STEM programme of activities, field trips and experiments. One of the biggest challenges in STEM teaching is helping pupils grasp basic concepts, whether in mathematics or science, which is where practical sessions are essential.
ADPP Angola’s STEM project is making great progress. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and INFQE (National Institute for Teacher Training) and with funding from Esso Block 15, the project aims to improve the quality of STEM teachng in schools. Quality lessons are ensured through theoretical and practical training of in-service and pre-service teachers, STEM teaching manuals, and the provision of science kits including microscopes.
Teacher Training Schools Mutu Ya Kevela, ADPP Luanda, Marconi and Dom Bosco, ADPP Polytechnics Zango and Ramiro, and around 30 mostly primary but also lower secondary schools in Luanda are participating. Despite the disruption to education caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, training and lessons continued during the revised academic year 2020-2021, and have got off to an excellent start at the beginning of the new school year this September.