Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. The Impevi Refugee Settlement Camp STEM Program was proposed by the IEEE Uganda Section (R8) STEM Team to address many challenges for rural schools in the Imvepi Refugee Camp. These challenges primarily concerned the access of costly STEM experimental materials for hands-on learning.
The program addressed these challenges by arranging a series of workshops where attending teachers would learn how to use low cost materials for STEM projects. It consisted of 5 two-day workshops in which a total of 85 teachers attended. Additionally, the program hosted a webinar with over 200 attendees, and formal training for IEEE volunteers was provided as well. The program served to build strong foundations for STEM literacy among schools. It also served to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and collaborative learning in STEM, along with promoting IEEE Educational Activities. The goals of the program included increasing student interest in STEM, increasing student readiness and graduation rate at the university level, and aligning with the workforce needs of key STEM economic sectors. Ingenuity, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork were some of the key themes that the program provided for students. Participants were encouraged to use technology to aid their learning and acquire online resources to aid their learning process in a real-world and hands-on approach.
The program yielded many successful results and outcomes. There was an observed improved attitude towards approaching STEM learning and careers. A marked increase in STEM knowledge and skills was observed through metrics such as higher test scores. The program also produced a higher rate of graduation pursuit of higher education in STEM among high school students. Notably, one teacher joined IEEE as an associate member following participation in a workshop.
Imvepi Refugee Settlement Camp STEM Program was funded by the IEEE Pre-University STEM Portal Grant Program in 2021.