Accra: Staff of the Accra STEM Academy have undergone an intensive training session on Education 4.0 and 5.0, delivered by instructors from the African Progressive Research and Innovation LBG (APRIL-STEM).
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme, held in Accra, focused on STEM integration in pedagogy, research, and innovation, and introduced teachers to how education must evolve alongside the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. Participants explored how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying classroom knowledge to community-based solutions.
The training was facilitated by a team of APRIL-STEM experts led by Daniel Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of APRIL-STEM and multiple award-winning education innovator. He was joined by Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer of APRIL-STEM and President of the African Chamber of Content Producers. The team also included David Adofo, a China-trained research and development expert, Rachael Adu, a PhD candidate in education technology, and Godwin Owusu, APRIL-STEM's Head of Curriculum Development, who contributed virtually from the United States.
Opening the session, Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin outlined APRIL-STEM's vision to transform African education through innovation-driven approaches, calling the training 'a critical first step in preparing teachers for the realities of Education 4.0 and 5.0.' Delivering the main presentation, Daniel Aboagye emphasized the need for teachers to translate essential theories into practical, real-world problem solving: 'Education must now equip learners with the relevant knowledge and the creativity and skills to invent, innovate, and solve challenges within their communities.'
David Adofo highlighted the importance of continuous research in teaching, while Rachael Adu, working alongside Teacher Aboagye, guided the teachers through hands-on exercises in Education 4.0 practices. Joining virtually from the US, Godwin Owusu encouraged the teachers to embrace the training as a 'career game-changer.' The impact on participants was immediate. Teachers expressed excitement at the practical insights gained, with several noting that they now saw possibilities for inventions they had only previously imagined.
The Principal of Accra STEM Academy, Prince Sackey Agortey, who attended the entire session with his administrative staff and teachers, praised APRIL-STEM for their dedication and generosity in providing the training at no cost to the institution. He commended the organization for bringing world-class expertise and resources into classrooms and affirmed the Academy's commitment to future collaborations with APRIL-STEM, including preparing students for local and international innovation competitions.
The training reinforced Accra STEM Academy's role as a potential pioneer of Education 4.0 and 5.0 in Ghana, positioning its teachers and students at the forefront of innovation and educational transformation for Africa. APRIL-STEM's comprehensive approach encompasses the co-development of future-ready curricula, continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers on Education 4.0 and 5.0 methodologies, and specialized student training in critical fields like robotics, AI, and design thinking.
Notably, APRIL-STEM holds the distinction of being the first Pan-African organization to champion the adoption of Education 4.0 and 5.0 across the continent. Through its persistent advocacy for practical, innovation-driven education models, the organization is positioned as a leading force in shaping a new generation of African problem-solvers and inventors, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.