USP Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment conduct successful Outreach in Samoa
|
Back to News » |
 | Students attending FSTE's Outreach in Samoa, are advised by FSTE Academic staff |
|
The Faculty of Science Technology and Environment’s (FSTE) Science Outreach in Samoa recently coordinated a Science Expo in Samoa from the 9th to the 13th September which saw an overwhelming response from the Samoan public, and over 500 students in attendance.
The Outreach theme “Science: Opportunities, Possibilities and Pathways” included a week of activities involving school visits, followed by a two-day Expo at the LDS Hall, Pesega in Apia. The Expo welcomed students and teachers not only from Samoa’s main island but from as far as Savaii and outer islands. Those who attended the Expo had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations, attend public lectures, speak in person to experts in the area of Science and ICT (a particularly relevant area which has been prioritized by USP’s Strategic Plan 2013-2018), explore various pathways available into degree programmes at USP and to network with other students who were likely to enroll in the same programmes after they finished high school.
The opening ceremony was attended by students and teachers from a number of schools, media personnel and USP staff. In her welcome speech the Samoa Campus Director, Dr Ruby Vaa commended the idea of having a Science Outreach in Samoa.
The Chief Guest, CEO for the Samoan Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Mr Matafeo Falana’ipupu Tanielu Aiafi emphasized the need for more Science graduates in Samoa and proposed incentives such as increased pay for Science teachers. This idea of the need for more teachers in their field was further elaborated on by USP Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment Associate Dean, Dr. Bibhya Sharma and Dr. Ketan Christi in their presentations on the Science Outreach and FSTE initiatives. Issues such as shared prosperity, rhizomatic learning, and ICT driven education were also contributed, as discussion points, under the overarching theme of the Outreach programme.
To cater for other potential students in Savaii who were unable to make it to the main island, on the fourth day an additional team from FSTE made a day trip to the island and visited a number of schools, while their colleagues continued to make relevant presentations and inform attendees at their Outreach programme at USP’s Alafua Campus.
The Outreach was concluded with visits to the rural schools on the main island on the last day. During this trip, it was found that schools in Samoa are in dire need of science teachers, text books, lab equipment and chemicals to conduct science experiments. FSTE Associate Dean, Dr Sharma noted that there was an overwhelming positive response to furthering student education in the area of Science despite these constraints, and noted the students’ enthusiasm in continuing with their Science studies at the High School level.
Not only was the Outreach team able to promote Science in Samoa, but key FSTE academic staff from USP’s Laucala campus were also able to fit in time to conduct additional tutorial sessions, hold meetings with the Ministry of Education staff and create awareness of mLearning and associated issues with the University Student Association (USPSA) Federal body in Samoa. The presentations and one-to-one consultations also provided incentives for many teachers to consider upgrading their qualifications.
|
