STEM 5 Days Boot Camp for Girls at Yankari Game Reserve

Space Name:  American Corner Bauchi       Program :       Summer Boot Camp for Girls

Participants:   SS3 Students                            Attendance:   45

Date:               12-17 Aug, 2013                      Time:               7am to 10:00pm daily

Venue:                        Yankari Game Reserve

The American Corner in collaboration with Bdabest Concept organizes a 5 days Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Boot Camp for girls at Yakari Game Reserve Bauchi.

The program which draws 45 participants from the 20 Local Government areas of Bauchi State seek to Motivate young Nigerians towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics which is the foundation for any nation that aims to become self-reliant through industrialization.

Participants were engaged by lectures and hands on exercises in Mathematics/Physics by Sabo Usman Hamma Phd, Chemistry by Hussaini Gende, Use of English by Babangida Yerima and Environmental Technology by A. Q. Ibrahim Phd all Lecturers from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi.

The camp seek to Identify young talents and nurture them to maturity in these areas  to produce more medical doctors, nurses, science teachers, farmers, laboratory scientists, computer engineers for the nation through the camp activities. It will also provide learners with instructional materials/activities that will facilitate academic excellence in mathematics, science, technology and related courses.

The Summer Boot Camp  will therefore remove the fear associated with the study of STEM based subjects through activities such as science fairs and camps that make the subjects a fun to learn.

Benefits of the Program:

The Boot Camp avail the participants the opportunity to learn in a serene environment away from the conventional classroom whilst appreciating nature.  They also had the opportunity to be coached by seasoned Lecturers who took time and do their best to teach as well as explain the various subject to the level  of the students understanding all with a view to making them succeed in the forthcoming WAEC/NECO examinations. And as the first  program of its kind, the Bauchi State Government Pledges to continue the program each year with full sponsorship. three students won 1^st 2^nd and third positions  with a winning prize of 10, 5, and 3 thousand Naira each courtesy of Hajara Yakubu Wanka Foundation.

Participants Feed Back on What They Learned at the Camp?

Sa'adatu A. Yusuf (First Prize Winner): I learned so many things on this Camp which will surely impact my life. Most of all, I learned how to mingle with other people from a totally different background. I learn how to endure some painful experiences and also be patient in all circumstances. It was indeed a wonderful camp experience. And as a result of this Camp, I plan to forge ahead with my education and be the best I can to make my country, my parents and all other citizens proud.

Regina Lazarus: I learned so many things during the camp most especially what I want to become in future, and for the subject I am having problems with, thank God now I understand and that is Chemistry. I really learn more things in fact the camp is very interesting. As a result of this camp, I will make sure I read hard and concentrate in my studies, and you know in life, you will not do something without knowledge and before you achieve something in life you most suffer for it. If you plan your goal wisely, you will really become something in future.

Abigail Godiya: I will make sure I make good use of what I have learned and also teach those that did not have the opportunity to be here, it was such a wonderful experience, and I will make sure I put more effort on my studies so that I will be opportune to attend another program in the future. We really appreciate the government for their wonderful support and also Malama Binta the organizer.

Fatima Abubakar Sarauta: This is the most beautiful question and I will answer, without any mistake, I am 

so happy of this Camp and I learned so much things that I can recall some of them, some are how to live with other people and how to respect elders, and the most important thing which is education. First of all I will like to continue keeping it up and I will try my best to see I help my younger ones. And I pray that I become a Medical Doctor.

Pamela Johnson: It is very exciting to be at this Camp, it was a very good experience being at a place like this. During my stay at the Camp, I learned so many things that cannot be forgotten in my life. I learned things like knowing the importance of education because it is what we Nigerians need to be challenged with.

Chelsea Ebubechi Peters: I learned to be independent no matter the situation, I have also been taught some science subjects, which we didn't learn in our school, its been such a glorious and wonderful moment. Again and most importantly I have learned to interact, endure and show concern for people. I hope to see and attend a camp like this. I will use my knowledge of what I have learned to make progress in my academic pursuit and also apply it in several areas in my life. No matter the situation that comes my way, I will learned to cope because it is part of things we were thought to do. Finally, when I grow up to be a Medical Doctor which is my future ambition, I will help my country Nigeria by impacting my knowledge of what I have learned so that they can benefit from it. Thank you.

Habiba Habu Haruna: To be sincere, since I was born, I have never seen a very wonderful program like this before. Truly, I have never understand mathematics like this. I also learned how to live together with many people from different places. I will also like to thank the American Corner for organizing this wonderful program and by God grace, I will try to force myself in reading and engage myself in extra lessons.