An increasing number of girls in the country are seen showing interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM subjects. The fifth Girls STEM Camp saw an overwhelming number of applications this year. The Camp held in Phuensthogling received 400 applications. However, to uphold the camp’s standard, only 20 girls were selected.
The participants are students studying in classes seven to twelve from schools across the country.
During the five-day camp, the girls were engaged in different science-related topics such as 3D printing and prototyping, and hands-on activity at FabLab.
The participants said they came to the camp to get a deeper understanding of STEM subjects and to acquire new knowledge related to science.
“In this evolutionary world, if we do not know about science and technology, then we won’t be able to communicate with people and it will be difficult to work,” said Tshering Dema from Bajo Higher Secondary School in Wangdue Phodrang.
Neeya Ghalley from Rigsar Higher Secondary School in Phuentshogling said, “I am very interested in STEM subjects because in future I want to take the science stream. As a future science student, I should know what STEM is. And also, I can encourage my friends and a lot of people to take the STEM subjects.”
Women in STEM Bhutan, a voluntary group has been organizing the Girls STEM camp since 2021.
“The camp is all about encouraging the younger girls from classes seven to twelve to pursue subjects in STEM and later on to explore career opportunities. When we talk about STEM, we always talk about complex ideas and theories but our vision is to make it as simple and as fun as possible,” said Serzina Gurung, a facilitator with Women in STEM Bhutan.
“In schools, we learn it through textbooks and maybe YouTube videos but here, we are all about providing hands-on learning experience so that the girls can learn about STEM but not in the traditional way,” said Yeshey Choden, the founder of Women in STEM Bhutan.
Jigme Selden, a facilitator with Women in STEM Bhutan said, “The students got engaged in many programmes. They had an opportunity to meet professional lecturers of the CST college. Secondly, we got to visit the factories. And thirdly they got to do brainstorming exercises.”
According to the Women in STEM Bhutan, they are trying to conduct multiple batches of the camp in various places. The group will be conducting a similar camp in Trashigang in the coming weeks.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
