Highlights from COMSTEDA 20
The blended 20th Conference on Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA 20), held from November 28th to 30th, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, brought together educators, policymakers, researchers, teachers, non-governmental organizations, and public and private sector stakeholders to discuss and share innovative strategies and effective practices in STEM education. The conference attracted participants from five African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. A total of 196 attendees were present, including officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from affiliated agencies, the Ghana Education Service, university lecturers, policymakers, teacher union executives, researchers, teachers, students, as well as representatives from private and public organizations, NGOs and other individuals with a deep interest in advancing STEM education.
The opening ceremony of the conference was graced by Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, the Deputy Minister of Education for Technical and Vocational Education in Ghana. In her address, she highlighted the importance of the conference in advancing STEM education and emphasized the value of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. She encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their insights to strengthen STEM initiatives. Additionally, Hon. Twum Ampofo invited attendees to explore Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, enhancing the event’s academic and cultural significance. Mr. Annis Haffar, the chairperson for the occasion, urged participants to stimulate conversation, share research, and empower the next generation of thinkers and innovators who will drive African progress. He encouraged delegates to engage actively, exchange ideas, and contribute their insights to the collective pool of knowledge.
Dr. Benson Banda, President of SMASE-Africa, challenged participants to strike a balance between policy, research, and practice to foster an effective STEM learning environment. Professor Mark Adom Asamoah, STEM Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Education, Ghana, delivered the keynote address titled “Empowering the Next Generation through Innovative STEM Education.” Professor Kwabena Agyepong-Kodua, Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, also shared insights in his address on “Learning in STEM Education.”
The theme of the conference, “Empowering the Next Generation through Innovative STEM Education,” was explored through three key strands: Governance in STEM Education, Capacity Development in STEM Education, and Learning in STEM Education. A total of 69 presentations were delivered, providing valuable insights and fostering discussions on each of these vital areas. Researchers from diverse backgrounds shared their expertise, contributing a broad spectrum of perspectives that enriched the overall discourse and enhanced knowledge sharing throughout the event. The closing ceremony of the conference was presided over by Mr. Annis Haffar, the chairperson for the occasion. Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, Executive Secretary of SMASE-Africa, expressed her gratitude to the organizers, particularly the Ministry of Education and the National Teaching Council, for their exceptional efforts. She also thanked participants for their dedication and encouraged them to follow up on the conference’s resolutions and recommendations, ensuring their effective implementation to advance STEM education across Africa.
