The annual STEAM Summer Camp, hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), came to a close last Friday, with the hope that it has opened doors to careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) for the 70 boys and girls who participated.
Minister Davidson Ishmael lauded parents for choosing the camp, noting that there were so many other competing options. The main objective of the camp, which caters to children ages six to 11, is to stimulate interest and excitement among students for STEAM within a safe and fun environment, before they enter secondary school.
Mr. Ishmael said MIST expected that students’ interest in STEAM shown at the primary level, would lead to a more focused approach at the secondary level, and translate into a greater number of students pursuing the areas at university, and as careers.
“Increased numbers of students pursuing STEAM education at the tertiary level is critical to our further development. This is especially true in an era of AI (artificial intelligence), Data Science, Cyber Security, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology, and several other related STEAM disciplines.
“The National Council for Science and Technology is of the view that a focus on STEAM related activities such as what we have done here with the Science and Technology Summer Camp, can contribute to influencing young children’s possible career choices. I note that this year’s camp has catered to an average of 70 students, and I can assure you that every effort will be made, following a review of the operations of the camp, to seek to offer at least two venues next summer to host the camp, thereby allowing more children to benefit from participation,” he stated.
He further added that policymakers recognised that in order for Barbados to benefit from STEAM, “we must intentionally build its STEAM capacity at all levels”.
Stating that the sustainability of this sector will require both human and financial resources over an extended period of time, the MIST Minister pointed out that an example of the value being placed on STEAM-related industries was the financial investment in the International Food Science Centre, located at Newton Industrial Park, in Christ Church. It is a facility for local manufacturers of condiments and spices to develop, test, manufacture and export their products.
He encouraged students to continue their adventure into the world of STEAM, adding that he hoped they had fun while learning valuable lessons that will help them grow and develop.
“I am firmly of the belief that learning should be fun, engaging and, ultimately, transformational. I hope that we have been able to check each of those boxes for you this year…. It was our intention to expose you to as many careers in STEAM as we could during this time because we are well aware that STEAM-based careers will only continue to expand. With this, it is likely that many of the opportunities which lie before you will be in the area of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics,” he said. The STEAM Summer Camp was held at the St. Stephen’s Primary School in Black Rock, St. Michael.