The initiative will benefit 10,000 students annually and targets to reach over one lakh students by 2024. The aim is to increase interest and encourage learning amongst students taking STEM subjects
PUNE: With an aim to ensure quality access to STEM education and create India’s next generation of talent, SKF India launched WeGyaan – a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative for deserving students. Initiated in association with NGO partner, United Way Bengaluru, the WeGyan initiative plans to reach at least 10,000 students annually, in government schools across Ahmedabad, Gurugram, Haridwar, Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Pune with the aim to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM subjects.
With the core focus on building STEM learning, including setting-up infrastructure for STEM labs, and providing innovative science-based learning tools to help students strengthen the concepts in Science and Mathematics, the project will focus on other key components including holistic development, career guidance as well as physical and mental well-being. It will also build the capacities of teachers and include exposure visits, mentoring and soft skills training. To motivate students and address absenteeism, the initiative will focus on building need-based WASH facilities in the school.
Manish Bhatnagar, Managing Director, SKF India Ltd., said, “We strongly believe that supporting STEM learning and inspiring students to pursue STEM education and careers will help build India’s future pipeline of skilled STEM workers, scientists, innovators and engineers. Our aim is to reach over 100,000 students by 2024, across multiple states, through a 3-year program thereby inspiring them to consider STEM career options. This initiative will further aid diversity in STEM fields by creating a world with equal opportunities for both girls and boys.”
Through the initiative, 35 government schools in rural and urban areas are provided with STEM infrastructure support as well as WASH training and intervention to reduce dropout rates of girl students. Through experiential science activities, using innovative tools and DIY models and other need-based interventions, WeGyaan aims to build critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving among students. This initiative will also include teachers’ training sessions for facilitating them to teach the STEM-related topics, as well as on-ground engagement with local communities and families on the importance of STEM education and related careers.
“Stronger and educated women make a stronger nation and we feel gratified to be facilitating this project in collaboration with SKF India. The program helps the advancement of underrepresented students who aspire to pursue careers in technical fields,” said Rajesh Krishnan, Executive Director, United Way Bengaluru.
