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Firm empowers children with STEM skills

By Benjamin Alade
25 November 2021   |   3:57 am
As part of its commitment to skills development in Nigeria, Henkel Nigeria has launched its global educational initiative ‘Forscherwelt.’

As part of its commitment to skills development in Nigeria, Henkel Nigeria has launched its global educational initiative ‘Forscherwelt.’ 

Forscherwelt or “Researchers’ World” is a learning initiative designed by the organisation to introduce elementary school children to the world of science through specific learning objectives to make research fun.
 
At the launch, which held at The People’s Primary School, Ibadan, the company further reiterated its commitment to skills development, especially in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Oyo State government commended Henkel for the feat and welcomed the steps it has taken to assist in the development of future science talents in the state and country as a whole.

Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said the launch of Forscherwelt demonstrates Henkel’s commitment towards empowering young talents and supporting them to flourish in communities it operates.
 
Adeniran, represented by Deputy Director, School Services, SUBEB, Saheed Aliu, pledged government’s support towards the success of Forscherwelt programme, while expressing hope that the initiative would be extended to other schools in the state.
 
Representative of the Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sport, Alade Bello, who is the Director, Administrator and Supply, said with the bold step taken by Henkel, the positive effect would show itself in the overall development of the state in years to come.

Bello called for a partnership between the firm and ministry so as to come up with more laudable programmes to empower more students.

The German Consul General, Dr. Bernd von Munchow-Pohl, said the initiative is a reflection of their resolve to contribute to the development of the various communities and countries where they do business.

He added that with the launch, more Nigerian elementary students would be encouraged to get involved in the world of scientific research.
  
Managing Director, Henkel Nigeria, Rajat Kapur, said the initiative reflects the focal points of the firm’s research areas and will drive its involvement in community relations.
 


He said the company envisions empowering young talents, giving them the support to flourish in their various communities. This, he said, was the reason why the launch was held at the People’s Primary School, as it is situated in the surrounding community where its Ibadan plant is based.
 
The company chief said since the inauguration at Henkel’s Düsseldorf headquarters in April 2011, more than 62,000 children around the world have taken part in its Forscherwelt programmes and he looks forward to school children from Nigeria benefiting from the initiative.
  
Coordinator of Girls and Women Technological Empowerment Organisation (GWTEO), a non-governmental organisation, Damilola Asaleye, said it is a privilege to partner with Henkel to develop children’s capacity through the programme.
 
She said GWTEO is focused on empowering girls and women to be bold, confident and knowledgeable technology leaders, adding that the group believes in exposing STEM activities to children from an early age.
 

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