MUSCAT: Committed to promoting a knowledge-based economy, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Stemazone initiative has continued to focus on promoting the culture of scientific thinking, problem-solving, and analytical decision-making amongst the youth. Designed as a sustainable educational program, Stemazone was conceptualised in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Culture, Sports and Youth (MOCSY), to introduce Omani children between 6 to 16 years, to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts (STEAM).
KR Eshraqa Stemazone partnering with DAI’s Sustainable Business Group designed and implemented the ‘Green Innovation’ Summer Camp that highlighted ‘Climate Change’ as its central theme with the slogan ‘I can change the world’.
The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp was geared at delving deeper into the concept of climate change by leveraging new technologies that utilise Big Data and other algorithms. The camp also illustrated the use and role of Big Data in tackling real-life problems. From 1 August to 15 August 2022, summer camp catered to 50 students between 13-16 years of age, the event was held at the Muscat STEM Centre and Khimji Ramdas Infrastructure campus at Ghala.
The program offered two modes of execution – IoT and Electronics and 3D Modelling. The participants were divided into ten groups consisting of five members each. They were then assigned a specific problem in climate change for which they had to come up with an innovative solution.
Commenting on the program, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas said, “KR Eshraqa has been at the forefront of spearheading initiatives that add value to society. We are delighted to partner with DAI to inculcate world-class education programs in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. STEAM programs have helped foster an inclusive learning environment evoking curiosity in young minds, and boosting their creativity. The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp aimed to address broader global challenges like climate change. Students were empowered with the right tools, methods, and knowledge needed to lead transformative change.”
He further added: “Modules dedicated to climate change literacy are intertwined with the concepts of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Therefore, programs that thoughtfully converge the two have the potential to have an enhanced positive impact in the long run.”
The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp, apart from focusing on topics related to climate change, also highlighted the role of sustainable cities and renewable energy solutions in Oman. Through active mentorship from professionals, students were given valuable lessons on building business models and pitching their skills. By encouraging students to explore new techniques, the program was able to help them connect their problem-solving ideas to real-world solutions.
To honour the efforts of the participants, an exhibition was conducted at the KR Infra office where students got an opportunity to showcase their ideas. After a thorough evaluation of the projects, the winners of the Cognitive Development and Stemazone Summer Program were duly rewarded.
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