By Chukwudi Nweje
• Head Teacher, St Saviors School, Ikoyi, Craig Heaton (right); Board Member of the School, Olayemi Edeki (middle), Goroon Gray with some students during Femgineers programme sponsored by The Neya Kalu Foundation, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Dele Onatade
Founder of Neya Kalu Foundation and Publisher of The Sun Publishing Limited, Neya Kalu, has donated boxes of various science study items to St.Saviour’s School, Ikoyi.
She made the announcement at the launch of a Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Project called FEMGINEERS, yesterday.
It is designed to promote the study of sciences among young girls, stimulate the study of STEM among female students and bridge the gender disparity gap in the field.
The project launch highlight was the donation of to the school as excited students and the school managers came out to welcome the team from Neya Kalu Foundation and The Sun Newspaper.
Welcoming the guests, Head Teacher of St. Saviour’s School, Mr. Craig Heaton thanked Neya Kalu Foundation for partnering with the school in the project
“We are proud to announce the launch of this innovative STEM project. The FEMGINEERS project marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field of STEM. Despite significant progress, there still exists a noticeable gender gap within these STEM fields. It is a collaborative effort among a team of talented female students from Government College, Ikoyi, from various disciplines, within the college and the teaching staff of St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi.”
He said the project would give female students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a STEM project, which he noted “aims to inspire female students from public schools to take an interest in engineering related subjects and to develop an awareness of an area that has potential career opportunities in the future.
“FEMGINEERS aims to give female students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a STEM project on ‘Flight and Forces’. The project aims to inspire female students from public schools to take an interest in engineering related subjects and to develop an awareness of an area that has potential career opportunities in the future. Additionally, the project is seeking to develop the student’s creativity, problem-solving and innovation skills; also, to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
“By providing opportunities for the students to engage in hands-on projects like this, St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi is helping to prepare the next generation of engineers to tackle the complex challenges of the future. By breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms they are looking to contribute to a potential future where girls feel empowered to pursue their passions in STEM without hesitation or doubt.
Heaton praised Neya Kalu Foundation and The Sun Publishing Ltd for the partnership, even as he called on other corporate organisations to also support the project.
“St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi is extremely grateful to the Naya Kalu Foundation and The Sun newspaper for supporting the project. The school invites all members of the community to support and celebrate the achievements of these talented female engineers as they embark on this exciting journey.”
The Neya Kalu Foundation is an organisation that aims to work with development partners, international and local organisations and donors in pursuing programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic and psychological well-being of women, children and other vulnerable members of society. It has empowered thousands of vulnerable women and children across Nigeria.
In November 2023, Neya was awarded the Best Social Impact and Sustainability Award (SISA) by CSR REPORTERS’ in recognition and celebration of her inspiring and ethical business leadership; creating change and building a better community for the future of Nigeria and Nigerians.