Tullow Oil Ghana has provided 129 eligible Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates with practical training in Science in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STMA) as part of its investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.The move aims at developing the critical human resources that can manage the oil and gas industry in the future.
STEM is being implemented by the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), a youth focused group for positive development, with funding from Tullow Oil Ghana.
The initiative is to help reduce the reliance on foreign expertise in the industry and bridge the science and technology gap towards alleviating poverty in the country.
Madam Elizabeth Akuoku, the Metro Director of Education, STMA, at the opening of a three-day Science Clinic and BECE Orientation Seminar, urged the students to discard the Science and Mathematics phobia and develop the passion for the two subjects.
She told them to make good use of their time, study hard and pass their exams with distinction.
Mr Fredrick Jojo Kwofie, the Project Coordinator, urged the students to make good use of the initiative to improve on their performance in Maths and Science.
Nana Akosua Gyamfiabia II, the Acting Paramount Queenmother of the Shama Traditional Area, lauded YBF for implementing the STEM, which would improve the performance of students in the core subjects of Science and Maths.
Mr Felix Tetteh, the Former Regional Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, advised the students not to be despaired by their small beginnings but be focused in all that they do to build a brighter future.
The 129 candidates consist 67 females and 62 males, drawn from the Ngyiresia M/A Junior High School (JHS), Poase Methodist JHS and Nkotompo AME Zion JHS within the STMA.
The students were taken through mentorship, counselling on examination malpractices, how to answer questions, group discussions, and solving mathematical problems.
They were engaged in science clinics where the students had practical training in physics, chemistry and biology at the Archbishop Porter Girls’ Senior High School.
By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA