Government, private sector must work together to promote programs for young people – Sutherland

The government must work with the private sector to push programmes like the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) summer programme which build skills in our young people.

This was the view expressed by Information Technology (IT) Manager at the National Insurance Services (NIS) Haniff Sutherland as he addressed the closing ceremony of the summer programme last Friday.{{more}}

Sutherland said on far too many occasions, people sit back and wait on policy makers.

“I’m saying that it must be a partnership, a joining of collective will and intent to propel our youth to the next level.” According to Sutherland, STEM is recognized as the building block for well-rounded individuals and also teaches skills that students need to make it in the workplace which they do not learn in school.

“It is through programmes like the STEM that we have a real fighting chance at engaging at the gears of our economic engine and fostering a new era of prosperity for every Vincentian citizen” The IT Manager said.

He encouraged STEM participants to be curious about the world around them, challenge everything, work with their goal in full view at all times, co-operate with others and build synergies.

This year, the STEM summer programme saw a turnout of 150 students.

The programme’s director Petrus Gumbs urged parents to encourage students to seek information on their own, noting that they have the Internet and everything needed to move forward. “It’s a very difficult task to inspire and motivate a child against all the negativity that they are bombarded with today,” he said.

Additionally, the director noted that for the first time, students were given the opportunity to be involved in sports such as squash, tennis and swimming as part of the summer programme. They also took part in a virtual robotics competition between the girls and boys.

According to Gumbs, the STEM programme has developed a network of professionals who willingly offered their time to nurture the children in areas of Chemistry, Physics and Biology among other subject areas.

There was also an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) day during which parents sat with their children to resolve a programme challenge. Students also ventured to the Richmond Vale Academy where they interacted with students from different countries who are involved in a programme during which they learn about Climate, Smart Agriculture, Water Harvesting, Renewable Energy, reducing the use of chemicals and taking better care of the environment.

Minister of Information Camillo Gonsalves, who was also present at the ceremony, described STEM as one of the most important programmes that is happening in SVG.

“We have to embrace in this country, technology; we have to embrace the sciences; we have to unlock the imagination of young people so that they could realize that their brains can do absolutely anything in the world,” he said.

Gonsalves told students that if they work hard and dream big, being from SVG or anywhere else would not be an impediment.

He noted the threat of climate change, “where our way of life is being threatened by what other people are doing because of global warming” and added that the young people would have to solve the problems that accompany global warming.(AS)