Uganda/STEM Makerspace

=The Challenge= For every country to develop, there is need for a technologically skilled and productive work force, however our school system is not designed to produce such a work force. Instead, it is examination-oriented and largely emphasizes theory. Students dont have a real opportunity to apply the theory they study in the STEM subjects. Even in the few cases where some effort in imparting vocational skills has been undertaken, there is limited choice for students and are usually forced to embrace whatever is offered even when it is not preferred by the student. =The Solution= My solution will show case a best practice that can be duplicated in other schools. One school will be equipped with tools and materials and housed in a part of the school laboratory, library or any previously unused space. Students will gather in this space after class or on weekends to share ideas, tools and also be mentored by skilled mentors in a line of making that they are interested in. Each student will persue there own areas of interest and mentors will be at hand to guide ,impart skills. Most of the mentors will be recruited on a volunteer basis,mainly from the school community =Implementation=