UNDP x Stemi
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Empowering Girls, Inspiring Teachers: The Dual Success of STEM Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This success story highlights the collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) and Stemi to increase girls' participation in the ICT sector. Ena Kosanović, a Project Officer at UNDP BIH, spearheaded this initiative, which aimed to address 2 challenges - the lack of girls represented in the ICT sector and the lack of motivation among school teachers to accept digital changes and the need for technical support for new technologies.
About
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. In BIH, UNDP has been working since 1996 to support economic and social development and resilience to climate change and disasters.
Ena Kosanović is a dedicated Project Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH). With a passion for empowering girls in the digital age, she has been working tirelessly for the past seven years to increase girls’ participation in the ICT sector in BIH. Ena’s role involves implementing project activities aimed at enhancing the educational system in BIH, making her a key player in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Problem
Challenges in Digital Transition: The Need for Inclusive and Innovative Education
In BIH, there has been a concerted effort to increase girls’ participation in the ICT sector. However, this journey has revealed several challenges that need to be addressed to truly empower girls in this digital age. One of the key realizations was the need for boys and girls to work together and support each other in this endeavor. This collaborative approach is essential to create a balanced and inclusive ICT environment. Another significant challenge was the lack of motivation among school teachers to accept digital changes. This resistance to change was a major obstacle in introducing innovative teaching methods and technologies in schools. Furthermore, it was observed that school teachers needed technical support to effectively use new technologies in their classrooms. These challenges presented a complex problem that required a comprehensive and thoughtful solution.
Solution
Empowering Education: Bridging the Digital Divide with STEM curricula
The partnership between UNDP BiH and Stemi was forged to tackle these complex challenges by rolling out the STEMwave – School of the Future project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As part of the Economic Governance for Growth Project, funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by UNDP BiH, over 30 primary and secondary schools were equipped with STEM equipment and laboratories were established. The primary goal was to educate teachers on how to use STEM equipment effectively and to motivate students to explore the world of STEM. This initiative marked the beginning of a significant transformation in the educational landscape of BIH. The collaboration with Stemi brought the “STEMwave – School of the Future” project to these schools, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence program. The AI curriculum developed by Stemi is focused on problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills, providing students with competencies that are very much needed for future careers. This comprehensive solution not only addressed the immediate challenges but also laid a strong foundation for the future of education in BIH.
“Collaboration with the Stemi team has been a rewarding experience for school teachers, students, and myself. Together with Stemi and Infobip, we brought ‘School of the Future’ to primary and secondary schools in BiH.” – Ena Kosanović, Project Officer, UNDP BiH
Result
Transforming Classrooms: The Impact of STEM Education
“What pleases me most after seven months of working together on this activity is that teachers are happy, they are more self-confident when it comes to using STEM equipment, and they are ready to invest a significant amount of time to improve their everyday classes.” – Ena Kosanović, Project Officer, UNDP BiH
- Over 30 primary and secondary schools were equipped with STEM equipment and laboratories
- The AI curriculum developed by Stemi is focused on problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills
- Teachers are more self-confident when it comes to using STEM equipment and are ready to invest a significant amount of time to improve their everyday classes
- The initial goal of involving at least 500 students (with an aim of 50% female participation) and at least 50 professors in the activity was achieved. Plans for the next year include an additional 500 students and 50 professors in STEM activities
“Having achieved all the amazing things mentioned above, we are planning to expand the partnership with Stemi. Our plan for this year includes equipping more schools with STEM equipment and incorporating more schools into this initiative.”