The Annual Impact Roundtable and Robotics Competition recently took place at the UPSA Main Auditorium in Accra, from February 26-28, 2024. The event highlighted the impactful initiatives of the Yamoransa Model Labs (YM Labs), generously funded by the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF).
Under the theme “Investing in the Future: The Yamoransa Model Labs Program,” the event attracted participants from various educational institutions, including prestigious schools like the Presbyterian Boys School and Achimota High School.
The event kicked off with an engaging quiz competition involving Junior and Senior High Schools from different labs, setting the stage for three days of insightful discussions and innovative displays. Day two featured roundtable discussions and a robotics exhibition, where 14 STEAM labs showcased projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Projects presented at the event ranged from solar electrification to smoke detection devices, showcasing the students’ ingenuity and commitment to addressing societal challenges. Prominent figures like Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director of CENDLOS, and Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in Ghana’s educational system.
Dr. Ayim-Darke, also the promoter for Yamoransa Lab 6, highlighted the potential for collaboration with the business community, aligning their profit-driven nature with the goals of YM Labs. Discussions at AIRTAD ’24 underscored the need for partnerships to amplify the impact of STEAM education.
Dr. William Owusu Oduro from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) emphasized the importance of synergies between innovators and private sector entities to bring innovations to the market. Emmanuel Baidoo of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi praised the practical application of ideas showcased at the event, highlighting the significant contributions from individuals within local communities.
The Robotics competition was a standout moment, demonstrating the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. YM Lab 7 from the Oti Region of Ghana emerged as the winner in the Junior High School category, while YM Lab Gambia claimed victory in the Senior High School category, defeating fierce competition from Ghanaian schools like Presec-Legon, Aburi Girls, and Labone Senior High in the finals.
Winners received Educational Funds, cash prizes, laptops, and tablets as rewards, underscoring their dedication to nurturing talent and innovation. The event also saw the participation of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and notable figures like Bright Yaw Atiase from the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and Ms. Dania Toyin from the Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Challenge Prize.
