STEM at Work – Perspectives from Business and Volunteering

Now more than ever, the interrelated fields of Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) make the world go round. STEM skills are required in diverse settings – in research, industry, and in society. In the month of February, Global Lab Network’s Community Call proved to be very insightful, engaging and beneficial, providing crucial perspectives on STEM at work in business and volunteering. We learnt from speakers Florence Toffa and Sarah Abotsi-Masters on 26 February via Zoom.

STEM in Business – Perspectives from Mobile Web Ghana

The meeting began with Florence Toffa discussing the mission and vision of Mobile Web Ghana. Mobile Web Ghana is focused on creating a generation of tech change agents and leaders who will use their skills to solve local problems in the community. She iterated that especially during the pandemic there has been a need to hone the skills of different target audiences to be able to fit into various industries. When it comes to work, the pandemic has disrupted how work is done across the board. Florence stated that STEM is critical in every aspect of work.

“As a worker, there is the need to rethink how to integrate STEM to make you more efficient. Even as a mom, STEM can be very helpful. A lot has changed, things are not normal and you can not continue to do things the way you do it. We have to redefine the way our work is done.”

Further, she stated that in the current era, employing technology in your work will greatly improve visibility. “Sometimes STEM is seen in isolation, however you need to involve the community”. She emphasized that STEM can be deployed in various organizations and combining STEM with various disciplines has the potential to yield huge results.

In conclusion Florence re-emphasized that STEM presents a big opportunity to teach and involve communities to achieve desired change.

Mobile Web Ghana slide: ‘We believe in the potential of people with the right skills to create change in their communities’ — Mobile Web Ghana supports capacity building in communities

Volunteering to Make a Difference

Sarah Abotsi-Masters took us on a journey into ‘Astronomy Activities and Volunteering in Ghana’. In her own words, “astronomy is a gateway science”, meaning it is a great way to get children and individuals interested in science. She stated that astronomy is relevant in giving perspective and promoting environmentalism and global citizenship. It also attempts to answer the big questions. Sarah asserted that a lot can be done with space science.

“Astronomy is connected to everything. In Ghana , you see very little science journalism and involvement and so little engagement with astronomy. So much can be done with space science and satellite technology: monitoring galamsey, monitoring coast erosion, monitoring natural disasters and land use.”

She stated that Ghana can gain a lot from exploring and developing space science.

Slide ‘The Ghana Planetarium’ from Sarah Abotsi-Masters’ talk, with photos of the planetarium’s people and young visitors — Ghana Planetarium – using astronomy to enhance STEM education and outreach

Sarah concluded her presentation by discussing reasons and benefits of volunteering in the STEM field. These include:

Giving back to the community
Developing new skills
Building your experience, gaining confidence and improving self esteem
Meeting new people.

In her closing words she reaffirmed, “Only volunteer because you actually want to. Do the work that is needed and be committed”.

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