AIRTAD 2025: STEM is more than a career path—It’s a tool for lifelong learning, says ALX Country Manager

The Annual Impact Roundtable Discussion (AIRTAD) 2025 brought together some key stakeholders in Ghana’s education and technology industry, all focused on one pressing question: How can we sustain and scale innovation in STEAM education? The second panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, featured seasoned speakers, including Mr. Nana Darko Asiedu, Country Manager for ALX Ghana; Mrs. Fariuza Safian, Executive Director of CAMFED – Ghana; Mr. Abdul Hamid Yakub, Program Specialist at UNESCO; and Dr. Dennis Sinyolo, Africa Regional Director at Education International. They shared insights into tech education and sustainable growth strategies.

ALX Ghana: Empowering the Youth Through Tech

Kicking off the discussion, Mr. Nana Darko introduced ALX Ghana as a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping young people with tech skills to improve their employability. In just two and a half years, ALX Ghana has trained over 100,000 youth, positioning them to access global job markets.

“Research shows that remote job opportunities are increasing globally, but to tap into them, fundamental tech skills are required,” he explained. “Our focus is on upskilling young people so they can seize these opportunities.”

Having spent over six years in the education sector, Nana Darko brought a wealth of experience to the conversation, shedding light on the key challenges and opportunities in sustainable STEAM education.

Measuring Impact: The Short and Long Term Perspective

One of the main points of discussion was how to define and measure the success of transformative education programs. According to Nana Darko, impact assessment should be approached from both short-term and long-term perspectives.

In the short term, success is measured through enrollment numbers and graduation rates, as donors and policymakers are particularly interested in how many students complete a program successfully. In the medium term, indicators include job placement and entrepreneurship opportunities, ensuring that graduates are not just skilled but also supported in securing employment or starting their own businesses. Long-term impact is assessed through contributions to global development goals, particularly SDG No. 4 (Quality Education).

He emphasized that while it is easy to sign up for a program, sustaining participation is the real challenge, especially with remote learning models. The key is developing strategies that keep students engaged and motivated to complete their courses.

Sustaining and Scaling STEAM Initiatives

When discussing sustainability, Nana Darko echoed Mrs. Fariuza Safian’s sentiments that true sustainability lies in community ownership.

“If you plan solely with donor funding in mind, your program is likely to fail once that funding ends,” he noted. He stressed the importance of diversifying funding sources and creating self-sustaining educational models.

On scaling innovation, he addressed a common misconception about STEM education, stating that it is often perceived as limited to science and technology fields. “STEM is fundamentally about problem-solving. It is not just for tech enthusiasts or coders; rather, it is a way of thinking that applies to all aspects of life. When we shift our mindset to see STEM as a foundational skill for problem-solving, we can integrate it across all subjects,” he explained. He emphasized that when educators across various disciplines embrace STEM principles, students begin to understand its relevance beyond traditional science and math courses.

He pointed to Rwanda’s approach, where all teachers receive STEM training, ensuring that students grasp these problem-solving skills regardless of the subject being taught. “This approach prevents students from thinking STEM is only relevant if they pursue a career in science. Instead, they see it as a skill that enhances their overall learning experience.” He added that Ghana is making strides toward adopting a similar model to strengthen its educational framework.

Policy and Institutional Support for STEAM Growth

When asked about policies that support the long-term sustainability of STEM programs, Nana Darko pointed to successful initiatives like the National Science and Maths Quiz and government-backed projects such as “One Million Coders.”

“These programs create awareness and excitement about STEM while also equipping students with the necessary skills,” he said. He also emphasized the role of organizations like JA Africa, which work alongside government efforts to make STEM education more accessible.

Recognizing the Impact of Yamoransa Model Labs

The discussion turned to the impact of the Yamoransa Model Labs, a pioneering initiative that has been instrumental in providing technology-driven learning environments, particularly for resource-constrained communities. Nana Darko praised two key aspects of their work.

The first was their use of data-driven insights, as the labs have collected compelling data showing improved academic performance among students engaged in STEM programs. The second was their focus on gender inclusivity, as Yamoransa Labs have made intentional efforts to encourage more girls to explore STEM fields.

“We need more women in tech. If only men are designing products, they will be inherently male-oriented. Diversity in STEM leads to more inclusive innovations,” he emphasized.

The initiative’s Makers Room also received commendation for providing students with hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Final Words to the Next Generation

As the discussion drew to a close, Nana Darko left the young audience with a powerful message.

“The world of work is changing. You need to build experience now. Take advantage of free skill-building opportunities, engage in practical projects, and show your value through tangible results. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

With that, the panel concluded with a photo session, marking yet another milestone in the collective effort to advance STEAM education in Ghana and beyond.

AIRTAD 2025 underscored an important reality: innovation in education is not solely about introducing new programs and policies. It is about ensuring long-term impact, advancing inclusivity, and preparing future generations with the skills required to adapt to a constantly evolving world. With these expert panelists at the helm, the future of STEAM education remains bright.