The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE GLOBAL Conversations Development Centre held STEM workshops on Grand Bahama, exposing special needs students to hands-on real-world learning experiences, and provided relevant skills training to educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Tanya McFall-Major, of the centre, said this was made possible through partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise International and the Pan-American Development Foundation. They were able to host several STEM Youth camps for use in Commonwealth of The Bahamas, she said.

“We focus a lot on vulnerable populations and were at the Beacon School doing a series of experiments with a focus on STEMS on the Ocean,” Ms Major stated.

Ms Major said the students used STEM to create marshmallow towers. “They tried to build it as high as they could and tried to be innovative,” she said. They also did a walking water experiment, created various underwater scenes and other STEM activities.

She stressed that STEM is important for all students, no matter their background or capability level. The Beacon School caters to special students with mental disabilities and challenges.

“It gives them an understanding of the world of STEM which allows them to be innovative and create different things, she explained. STEM is such an important aspect of our lives and without it many things we see today would not be in existent. It helps with critical thinking capabilities.”

Ms Major stated the centre works with vulnerable populations throughout the country, including the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, the PACE School, known as the Andrea Archer Institute for Pregnant Teens, and orphanages.

“So, this is an opportunity for us to really give these students (at the Beacon School) help with thinking and how be creative while enjoying themselves. It also helps them build self-esteem and confidence,” Ms Major said.

Some 50 educators on Grand Bahama also received STEM Training at the Viva Wyndham Hotel.

Ms Major said the workshop was geared towards training the trainers in various aspects and methodologies in STEM, with a focus on STEM activities on the ocean.

She said the turnout exceeded their expectations. “We had 55 teachers who signed up and we had to close the sessions because it was in high demand,” she added. Additionally, she said as way to say thank you to teachers for their work during COVID-19, they were able to enjoy a day pass at the hotel to use the amenities.

Beacon School principal Titi McKenzie-Moss thanked the centre.

She said: “The workshop was such as wonderful programme that exposed our students to STEM, she said. It gave them hands-on experience and exposure to real-world situations, she said. this has benefited our children because it helps them understand the importance that math and science is all around us.”

Ms Moss said usually when such workshops are held their students are not invited to it.

“We are so happy, and the fact Global Conversations decided to come here and provide one-day free workshop was definitely appreciated.”

Ms Moss, who was also one of the educators that participated in the STEM workshop for educators, said the workshop was beneficial. “We are so grateful because we live in a society where STEM is so important,” she said.