MTN introduces ‘Science Set’ to boost science education

Telecommunication giant MTN Ghana, as part of its vision, to help bring and promote innovation introduced students in basic and junior high schools to ‘Science Set’ –  a mini science lab which fits into every school bag, that help students to have the practical knowledge of what they learn in their test book. 

The Science Set is a portable kit which makes it easy for students in basic and junior high schools to perform basic experiments in science and enhance their knowledge of science in a fun and engaging way. It is capable of operationalizing almost 30 experiments including electromagnetics, rectilinear propagation of light, and usage of resistors.

In the Western Region MTN has begun piloting this initiative at Bethel Methodist primary and JHS to help the students become innovative with the things they are being taught in the science textbooks.

Presenting 170 pieces of science set to the only beneficiary school in the Western region, Bethel Methodist Basic and Junior High School, the Acting Regional Senior Manager for MTN South West, Mohammed Tiyuniba Yakubu said the days of learning Science and Technology theoretically is gradually becoming a thing of the past so the initiative will build interest in young people to study science.

 “We believe it will impact positively on them by enhancing their studies. We want to bridge the gap between the underprivileged educational institutions, public and private schools”.

He added that the donation is to help students get hands-on practical science technology and make the teaching of science very practical and easy.

Mr Mohammed Tiyuniba Yakubu, however, cautioned that the program is likely to be terminated from the Western Region if they don’t see any impact made on the lives of the students.

“After it pilot stage if we don’t see any progress we will end the program so we will encourage the students to make good use of this set so we extend it to other schools in the Region.”

Head of marketing at Dext Technology Caleb Fugah, said in the Company also noticed the gap in the study of science in terms of theory and practical.

He said they identified schools that do not have Science laboratories to be beneficiaries, adding that the impact had been enormous.

He revealed that science teachers in the beneficiary school had been trained on how to use the devices in order for them to give a comprehensive user-training to the students.

“We have done a lot of work behind the scene so the science teachers in this school have been well trained in how to use the equipment so we are sure these students will learn a lot and start building things on their own,” he said. 

“We really appreciate MTN for undertaking this step and the teachers for their appreciation and encouragement. We believe this is going to create a big advantage in the study of science to improve Ghanaians thinking ability so that we will become producers and not just consumers”.

He disclosed that Dext Technology had also developed microscopes to be used by schools as part of the science sets.

When asked on how their company is going to ensure replacement of any parts in case any of the parts get missing he said the company is willing to replace any part but he advise the students become more careful in handling the science set.

Head Teacher of Bethel Methodist Junior High School, Gifty Pesseh Acheampong lauded  MTN for selecting her school for the pilot project and promised to make efficient use of the technology. On maintenance, he promised to treat the science set with extra care to expand its lifespan.

credit: myjoyonline.com