Background:
Sierra Leone faces challenges in providing practical STEM education due to limited resources, especially in science labs. To address this, DEXT Technology Limited, in partnership with Develop Africa and donors, organized a five-day training program at DEXT headquarters in Kumasi, Ghana. The training aimed to equip Sierra Leonean STEM teachers with practical knowledge of using DEXT Science Kits to enhance science education in schools.

Objectives:

1. Understand the production of DEXT Science Kits.
2. Strengthen collaboration between DEXT Technology and Sierra Leone.
3. Gain hands-on training in using advanced DEXT Science Kits.
4. Serve as a liaison and lead trainer for STEM initiatives in Sierra Leone.
5. Review and align DEXT's plans with Sierra Leone's STEM education system.

Activities:

1. Day 1 & 2:
   
   • Introduction to the 4.2 Kit experiments:
     
     • Building a model of the digestive system.
     • Observing plant evaporation and transpiration.
     • Water filtration experiments.
     • Seed germination experiments.
   • Introduction to the 6.3 Kit experiments:
     
     • Building a scale balance.
     • Constructing electrical circuits.
     • Setting up series/parallel connections.
     • Building a simple pulley system.
2. Day 3 & 4:
   
   • Exploration of the advanced DEXTA robotics and coding kit:
     
     • Assembling components such as Arduino microchips, motion sensors, and motors.
     • Learning to code commands for robotic movements and sensor calculations.

Key Outcomes:

• Over 20 teachers in Pujehun district were trained upon the representative’s return to Sierra Leone.
• Pilot integration of DEXT Science Kits in Sierra Leonean schools.
• Strengthened collaboration between Sierra Leone and DEXT Technology to improve STEM education.

Conclusion:
The workshop provided valuable hands-on STEM training, emphasizing the importance of practical education in enhancing learning outcomes. The initiative highlights a transformational approach to STEM education, aiming for broader adoption across Africa. Continuous donor support and partnerships are critical to scaling these efforts.

Impact:
The DEXT Science Kits and training are expected to address gaps in science practicals, improve students' performance, and create a more engaging STEM education system in Sierra Leone.