In a push to boost participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, Kabale University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga, has called on the government to provide more funding to schools for textbooks and infrastructure development. Her remarks were made during the opening of the 6-day inaugural African Women in Algebra workshop at the university’s main hall in Kikungiri, southern division of Kabale Municipality.
Professor Kwesiga emphasized that well-developed facilities and properly trained teachers can significantly change students’ negative attitudes toward STEM subjects. “When facilities are well developed and teachers are trained on how to engage students and persuade them to love sciences, it will help change the negative attitude students have towards STEM subjects, thereby addressing the shortage of scientists in the country,” she stated.
However, Kwesiga expressed discomfort with the current government policy that promotes sciences by increasing the salaries of science teachers. She argued that this approach benefits the teachers but does not address the underlying issues contributing to the students’ aversion to science subjects.
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Sarah Nakato, a mathematics lecturer at Kabale University and the initiator of the African Women in Algebra initiative, also spoke at the workshop. Nakato explained that the initiative aims to bring women together to collaborate in research. She highlighted that gender-related propaganda and attitudes are major factors contributing to the low number of female scientists in mathematics. “The reason for organizing this workshop is to break the barriers limiting female participation in mathematics and science in general,” Nakato said.
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The workshop, which gathers female researchers and educators from across Africa, seeks to foster collaboration and empower women in the field of algebra. The discussions and activities over the next six days are expected to pave the way for increased female participation and success in STEM fields, addressing both gender disparities and the overall shortage of scientists in Uganda.
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