Launch of START STEM campaign to strengthen the science sector

The now launched START STEM campaign is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of education in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The campaign was launched on Wednesday morning at the Life Science Park in San Ġwann, and the campaign is being piloted by the Science Centre together within the Directorate for Learning & Assessment Programmes (DLAP). The holistic initiative was co-sponsored through Global Education Network Europe project funding.

“This campaign aligns with our Ministry’s vision of providing quality STEM Education to all students, to sustain social, economic and environmental development on a global level,” Bonnici said during the launch on Monday at the Life Science Park in San Ġwann.

The campaign primarily targeting students, their parents and the general public. It features six clips that will be publicized through both social media ads and television channels. “The campaign START STEM promotes a positive, vibrant, energetic expression reflecting the dynamic nature of STEM studies and careers. The campaign strategy, design and production are the result of the professional work of the STEM Education Officers within the Science Centre.”

Bonnici said that the Government is committed to strengthening STEM Education on a national level and will be doing so through three main pillars. “We are aiming to enhance the educational sector in relation to STEM. The three pillars are STEM curricula reform, STEM educator support and professional development, as well as STEM popularization.”

STEM Education in Malta, the Minister said, is evolving in the right direction as it enhances the curricular pedagogical shift to an enquiry-based approach that promotes learners’ engagement, learning and achievement. In this context, the role of trained professional teachers is pivotal to mentor and nurture the next generation of STEM innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. The extent of national priority and investment in STEM education will eventually be reflected in the degree of innovation and in public economic prosperity.

Assistant Director of the Science Centre, Desiree Scicluna Bugeja, explained how the campaign will work on a number of strategies to ensure that every student has the same opportunity when it comes to the science sector. “We want to instil drive and determination in these students to continue studying in the science and technology sector,” she said.