Liberia: Aware International School System Holds Science, Arts Exhibition

 

 

Students of Aware International School System, an Indian run institution located on the GSA Road, in Paynesville, recently held a day-long Science-cum-Art and Craft Exhibition.

The event was attended by students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. The theme of this year's exhibition was ‘Reuse, Reduce, Recycle’. Students from all grades participated in the exhibition, showcasing their creativity and ingenuity in a variety of ways. Some students created working models of machines and devices, while others made art and crafts from recycled materials.

The exhibition was a great success, and it was clear that the students had put a lot of hard work into their projects. The judges were impressed with the creativity and innovation of the students, and they awarded prizes to the top three projects in each category.

The exhibition was also a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). STEAM education is essential for developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that students need to succeed in today's world.

The exhibition was a great success, and it was a testament to the hard work and creativity of the students at Aware International School System. The event was also a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of STEAM education.

In his remarks, guest speaker Professor Isaac Saye-Lakpoh Zawolo, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), said that the significance of STEAM education to any country cannot be overemphasized. He said that for developing countries, like Liberia, the survivability and capacity to catch up with the rest of the world hinge on the recognition and adoption of STEAM education as a catalyst for growth and development.

“From the agriculturists, who develop modern and new methodologies to grow food, to the medical technologists, who design new equipment for better diagnosis, the value of STEAM to the quality of life and the strength of economies cannot be understated,” said Zawolo. “This is why I was elated to learn of this initiative. If Liberia is to grow her economic power, it will occur through STEAM. STEAM education places a premium on critical thinking skills. Critical thinking, as you know, is indispensable to innovation.”

According to Zawolo, critical thinking drives innovation. "It is this innovation that is allowing other countries without vast mineral resources to be experiencing tremendous development. Think about Singapore, Rwanda, and Mauritius. These countries have grown their economies and become attractive spaces for commerce," said Zawolo.

Zawolo named healthcare, agriculture, industrial manufacturing and engineering, and infrastructure development as some of the critical areas that STEAM is crucial for success.

Zawolo lamented on the manner in which science has been taught in schools throughout the country, with teachers writing the notes on the blackboard and explaining it the next day. “No surprise, it is so difficult to find any student in our schools who can tell you the purpose or practical application of quadratic or sinusoidal functions, for example,” said Zawolo.

He continued, “If we must develop and improve our revenue-generating capacity; if we must develop our capacity to create jobs and improve the livelihood of our citizenry; if we must take our country to the level of becoming a middle-income earning country - we must change the way we teach, run and operate our schools, and even the way we purchase toys or technology for our children.”

In her remarks, Aware International Principal Beena Gobinath said that the science exhibitions help to explore the creative talent of the students and push them to think outside the box. “Students enjoy learning through such exhibitions as they put effort and make models with their own hands,” said Mrs. Gopinathan. “When they give presentations in exhibitions, they become more familiar with public speaking, and this removes their stage fright and imparts self-confidence in them. It also encourages them to ask more questions to address their curiosities.”

With this, the Aware principal said, “our students learn to use waste material to create models and make other items like jewelry, dresses, necklaces, etc. It is really amazing to see the creativity of these students duly guided by scientific principles. I am not surprised, but I am elated, for we are hopeful that in the future, we can have competent major actors in all works of life.”

The exhibition saw the attendance of a large number of parents and was a huge success. The students, teachers, parents, and management were all elated with the outcome of the event.

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