The Molex Foundation Africa has called for increased investment and support to empower more young girls across Ghana with practical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), particularly in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Foundation is appealing to corporate organisations, development partners, government agencies, philanthropists and individuals to partner with it to expand its STEM education programmes and provide more young girls with access to technology, training and mentorship.
The Foundation is currently implementing an intensive Robotics and STEM training programme for young girls drawn from various districts across the Central Region, with the ongoing programme being hosted at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The initiative seeks to expose the participants to practical technology, robotics, innovation and problem-solving while encouraging them to consider careers and opportunities in STEM-related fields.
President of Molex Foundation Africa, Dr. Patrick Essien, said the Foundation’s vision goes beyond a single training programme, stressing the need to nurture a generation of young women capable of using technology, innovation and creativity to address challenges in their communities.
He therefore appealed to the Government, corporate Ghana, development partners and individuals to support the Foundation with funding, equipment, mentorship and strategic partnerships to enable it to reach more girls across the country.
According to Dr. Essien, increased investment in girls’ STEM education would help equip them with the knowledge, confidence and technological skills required to participate meaningfully in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
The practical training is also helping participants develop essential skills such as creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving through hands-on Robotics and STEM activities.
As part of the programme’s holistic approach, Dr. Mrs. Joana Akorfa Amuzu, a medical doctor at the 37 Military Hospital and a board member of Molex Foundation Africa, led a mentorship session focusing on personal hygiene, determination, confidence and personal development.
Dr. Amuzu shared her personal journey with the girls, recounting how she rose from humble beginnings to become a medical doctor. Her story encouraged the participants to believe in themselves and remain determined to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
She urged the girls to develop confidence, discipline and resilience, stressing that their present circumstances should not determine the limits of their ambitions.
The Foundation believes that empowering girls with STEM education is not only an investment in individual careers but also a strategic investment in Ghana and Africa’s technological future.
Molex Foundation Africa is therefore urging stakeholders to join efforts to bridge the gender gap in STEM and create opportunities for more girls, particularly those in underserved communities, to gain access to technology and practical STEM education.
The Foundation said that with adequate support, its Robotics, AI and STEM programmes could be extended to more communities, helping to produce future scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
It stressed that when girls are given access to knowledge, technology and opportunity, they can develop solutions to real-world problems and contribute significantly to the socio-economic transformation of their communities and the continent.
Molex Foundation Africa has consequently renewed its call for stronger partnerships and investment to ensure that no girl is left behind in Africa’s rapidly changing technological landscape.
