Barbadian students have been encouraged to leverage their skills and abilities to find solutions to their school or community’s problems, particularly by focusing more on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The appeal came recently from Lois Oliver, Assistant Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, as she spoke to students at the Lodge School, during a recent workshop held as part of the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge.

The Lodge School workshop held last week was the most recent in a series of similar events at schools across the island, during which Oliver stimulated interest in the STEM subject areas, answered questions and provided information about participation in the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge.

“This Sagicor Visionaries Challenge is our way of saying that we believe in you. We are confident that you can provide solutions to problems around you. You are in the best position to observe your environment and you are familiar with the resources available. We urge you to take hold of the opportunities presented by this Challenge, to be creative, and together with your teachers, peers, and communities, to help us solve our own problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).”

Areas of study which fall under STEM umbrella and which students were encouraged to pursue with more vigour include Agricultural Science, Biology, Human and Social Biology, Building Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical & Electronic Technology, Geography, Industrial Technology, Information Technology, Additional Mathematics, Integrated Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Technical Drawing.

Oliver said today’s secondary school students often displayed a fresh approach to problem solving which was capable of positively impacting their countries.

Workshops similar to those held in Barbados have also taken place in other participating countries including Antigua, Belize, Dominica and St. Lucia. Workshop presenters shared details of the competition, including prizes and examples of projects suitable for entry.

Students interested in entering the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge can visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SagicorVisionaries for further details and instructions, and are encouraged to speak with their teachers for assistance in signing either as an individual or group entry (N.B. Receiving entries now extended until the end of October).

The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge was conceptualised by Sagicor and the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), in partnership with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and aims to promote the use of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to problems.

This year’s winners will once again have the opportunity to take an all-expenses paid trip to Florida where they will tour related institutions and experience S.T.E.M. in action.