• Award scholarships to six

As part of efforts to increase innovation in science and technology among children in Bayelsa, a non-governmental organisation, Techie Girl Initiative (TGI), has introduced preliminary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to 127 children in the State.

The event, which was the flagship event of TGI tagged: ‘Introduce a Child to STEM’ held at Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area, had participants aged nine to 15 drawn from six villages in Bayelsa State for the immersive and hands-on STEM experience.

The participants, 74 girls and 54 boys, had their first glimpse into real-life experience with robotics, engineering, and scientific innovation.

The organisers who engaged experts guided the children through the construction of humidity sensors to the creation of laser infrared alarm systems.

They also had the opportunity to build intelligent light control desk lamp, experimented with Tesla wireless power transmission, and crafted wind-driven cars that responded to shifting air patterns.

The children also engaged in practical hands-on tasks by assembling hand-held torch lights and building mechanical flag raising systems.

The event also featured a STEM competition with participants from secondary schools challenged to construct the tallest and most stable “Straw Tower” using only plastic drinking straws and tape.

The challenge tested their understanding of structural stability, geometric design, and engineering principles.

Also, participants from primary schools were tasked to design and build a buoyant boat using aluminum foil and paper, competing to see which design could hold the most coins without sinking—an introduction to the physics of buoyancy, displacement, and material efficiency.

The winning teams from each category advanced to an intense mathematics competition where individuals competed, and six winners emerged, winning N50,000 scholarships.

In the primary school category, Samson Pereowei(male) from Community Primary School, Akaibiri came first, Merit Emmanuel(female) from Community Primary School, Bumoundigbene second and Sunday Divine(male) from Saint John Primary School, Gbarantoru came third.

While in the secondary school category, Testimony Samuel(female) from Ekpetiama Comprehensive High School, Tombia came first, Aweibo Victor(male) and Wealth Geku(female) both from Agudama Comprehensive High School, Agudama emerged second and third respectively.

The founder and President of TGI, Engr Ifeimi Tulagha, stated that the success of the initiative was a powerful testament to the importance of early STEM education, particularly for children from underserved communities.

According to her, the mission of TGI is to bridge the educational gap and inspire young minds to embrace technology, innovation, and problem-solving as tools for a brighter future.

“Prioritising early STEM education is crucial for a future driven by innovation. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that children—especially those with limited access to resources—develop the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

‘’TGI is not stopping here. Plans are underway to establish STEM clubs (“TGI STEM Havens”) in participating schools, where students will receive ongoing mentorship, hands-on training, and career guidance.

A dedicated team of experts will visit bimonthly to sustain interest and nurture young talents in STEM fields.

“We are ready to collaborate with individuals, organisations, government bodies, and businesses to take STEM education to every nook and cranny of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.”

Engr Tulagha stressed that TGI believes in the transformative power of STEM to change lives and reshape futures, adding that with initiatives like this, the journey towards a technologically advanced, problem-solving generation has begun.

She enjoined well-meaning Nigerians and public-spirited individuals to join hands with TGI to empower young minds, unlock limitless possibilities, and pave the way for Nigeria’s future innovators.