August 17, 2019: A Two-Day STEM training for the teachers from various schools in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kavre districts was organized at Kanjirowa National Secondary School on 16 and 17 August. Collaborated with Robotics Association (RAN) and Nepal Robotics Project, USA, the training aimed at promoting STEM especially robotics education in Nepal.
The training focused on both practical and theoretical aspects of robotics. The 28 participants from 18 schools were engaged in learning fundamentals of STEM education, Design Thinking, Ideation, Drone Making, History and Laws of Aerodynamics, Principles of Flying and revolution brought by 3D Printing besides engaging rigorously on linking their learning with classroom practices that are used in various schools. Speaking in the closing ceremony, Kanjirowa School Chairman, Kapil Dev Regmi highlighted that Nepal’s education system needs more hands-on-activities so as to encourage our students for innovation and research rather than promoting rote learning. He was hopeful that such training will be given much more priorities in future in more schools. Participating teachers had an opportunity to interact to one another and share their experiences on the condition of STEM education in Nepal. They discussed about the constraints, necessity and prospects of STEM education in our context. Mahendra Khanal, Executive Director perceived that collaboration with young researchers like those from RAN will have good impact on science and technology education in Nepal. “We are always ready to support to and work together with the schools to inspire young learners for Nepal’s innovative future.” RAN President Bikash Gurung made a commitment.
The program was led by some innovative engineers having extensive knowledge on robotics and its latest technological advancement. As the program is a part of ongoing collaboration between Kanjirowa, RAN and Nepal Robotics Project, Kanjirowa Principal Ranjeet Thapa said this training may help seeking more partnerships among many other like-minded organizations, and school children in Nepal will be the first beneficiaries.
Mr. Michael Kronmiller from Nepal Robotics Project, USA; Ms. Aliyah Pandoliff from Kashmir World Foundation, USA and Prof. Dr. Sandra Magnus, former NASA Scientist and Astronaut sent the messages for the success of the program and expressed their interests to work further with Kanjirowa in STEM education in the future too. Mr. Theodore Kronmiller, former US ambassador has been always an inspiration to Kanjirowa in its STEM education.
