Students with disabilities complete STEM robotics training
Twenty-six students with disabilities recently received certificates after completing a Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) robotics training course facilitated by the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana.
According to a press release yesterday from the GCOPD, a simple ceremony was held at the auditorium of the David Rose Special Education Needs (SEN) School, where each participant was presented with a certificate, while the outstanding participants were presented with “3D” printed medals.
The participants also displayed the robots they built during the programme.
The release noted that another ceremony is scheduled for 27 other course participants.
Speaking at the event, GCOPD Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh expressed gratitude to ExxonMobil Guyana for funding the programme, which has been in the pipelines for more than two years. He also express-ed gratitude to the members of the University of Guyana Robotics Club (UGRC).
The release noted that the STEM programme for children with disabilities was piloted in five SEN schools in Region Four.
It explained that during the fourmonth course, the children were exposed to the STEM subjects using robotic technology and they were also taught complex concepts using the technology to help them to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
The participants also developed a higher level of environmental awareness, since the robotic kits were solar powered and utilized recyclable materials for the construction of the robots, the release added.
Each participant was given a tablet computer and a robotic kit. Currently plans are in place to replicate the programme in the other SEN schools across Guyana using virtual means.