By Stanley Onyekwere
The ongoing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Camp project put together by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (FCT-WAS) in partnership with The Peace Institute has entered its third Week at Gwako in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.
Speaking yestetday at its opening ceremony in the area, the FCT-WAS Mandate Secretary, Honourable Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, who expressed excitement over the initiative, called for more collaboration that will ensure inclusive education for the Nigerian child.
A statement from Deputy Director Information/ Head, Public Relations Department of Secretariat, Josie Mudasiru, said Benjamins-Laniyi encouraged the participating children to always be attentive in class, because the best reward for their parents and government is when they become her trophy and shining stars.
She said:” We want you to become hot, and like vapour. Steam is connecting with a dream in you, because everyone has a dream.”
She therefore prayed for them to excel and do well and shine like stars because that is who they were born to be.
Similarly, expressing enthusiasm over the programm so far, the Permanent Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole said that they were in Gwako for The STEAM Summer Camp and it was designed to give opportunity to those at the grassroots, the downtrodden to learn new things.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the CAMP was designed for people who have never dreamed of having the type of opportunity, which is why it’s taking place in rural communities.
He explained that the Camp started in Karu, moved to Kagini and now Gwako with other communities in Abaji, Kwali and Kuje joining in the programme.
He added that the feedback from the children and the communities has been impressive and marvelous and encouraging, adding that so far, it had positive impact on the children who have been able to learn things that they thought was impossible.
On her part, the Coordinator of Peace Institute, Professor Hauwa Ibrahim, who is also a Professor in the University of Rome told the children that she was once a hawker, whose story will encourage other children that they can be whatever they chose to be if they remain focused and work hard.
“She introduced the foreign volunteers; Anna, David, Malthide, Angelica and Silvio, who have devoted their time and resources to be a part of the project in order to give back to society.
“The District Head of Kagini sent representatives to the event to lend their support and encourage the
children”, the statement added.
