Global technology company, SLB, is collaborating with RVRB Innovation to launch its flagship STEMCafe, a non-linear learning center focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for children and young adults in Rivers State.
The official launch of the STEMCafe that took place in Port Harcourt witnessed a series of hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits showcasing the potential of STEM for children aged 8 to 19. Local community members, educators, and policymakers convened to celebrate this milestone in STEM education and innovation in Nigeria.
Equipped with Digital labs, robotics kits, 3D printers, computer games, STEMCafe aims at providing children and young adults with knowledge and skills in engineering, computer sciences, and mathematics. Leveraging the successful implementation of STEMCafe in Lagos, Nairobi and Kigali, the STEMCafe in Part Harcourt stands as a catalyst to encourage children and young adults to explore, experiment and create, empowering the next generation of thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers and fostering a lifelong love for STEM. “
Empowering communities through education has been engrained in SLB’s history for decades. In 1998, the idea of using the Internet as an education tool took form with the introduction of the SLB Excellence in Educational Development (SEED) program. The SEED program engages employees, educators, retirees, and volunteers around the world to share their passion for learning and STEM subjects through workshops, camps, classroom visits, and the professional development of teachers. In 2004, the Schlumberger Foundation launched the Faculty for the Future program. Aimed at reducing the gender gap in the field of science, Faculty for the Future provides funding to women from emerging economies for advanced graduate study in STEM subjects. Till date, over 100 Nigerian women have received the grant.
With the STEMCafe initiative, SLB adds to its history another project that promotes STEM disciplines and explore solutions to the pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability to drive progress for people and the planet.
Speaking at the STEMCafe launch event, Sops Ideriah, managing director, West Africa, SLB, said “As a global technology company, SLB is committed to creating technologies that unlock access to energy for the benefit of all to meet the world’s growing energy demand. We believe that fostering a passion for STEM and sustainability from an early age is key to achieving a balanced future. With over 70 years of operations in Nigeria, we continue to identify ways to strengthen human capacity development and accelerate access to the knowledge needed to drive innovation for the continued progress of society. Through this collaboration, we hope to empower the next generation of STEM leaders that will address the challenges of tomorrow.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SLB to bring this exciting initiative to Port Harcourt,” added Nissi Madu, managing partner, RVRB. “By combining our expertise in STEM education with SLB’s leadership in the energy sector, we hope to empower the next generation of innovators who will drive positive change in our communities and beyond.”
The newly established STEM makerspace in Port Harcourt will serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. With state-of-the-art tools, resources, and guidance from experienced mentors, participants will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, tackle real-world problems, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
