The sixth episode of the Mentorship Sessions featured Mr John Appiah, Senior Manager of Global Communications at AIMS Africa, for a captivating discussion on “STEM Development and Ghana’s Future.” With a wealth of invaluable insights, Mr Appiah highlighted the transformative potential of STEM, offering practical guidance to empower the next generation of innovators in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Ghana.
Mr Appiah began by discussing how effective STEM communication bridges the gap to gain support from stakeholders for specific projects. He emphasised the importance of making people understand the relevance of a project. Being able to sell the concept, he explained, is essential for gaining understanding and securing funding. Science innovators, he noted, must commercialise their ideas in ways that attract investment, ensuring that consumers can fully grasp the value of their work.
Mr Appiah advised that STEM innovators must know their audience and create a niche for themselves. In our technological age, influencing policy around STEM-related issues is increasingly significant, and understanding how to engage with various stakeholders is key. He remarked that many people have great ideas but lack the confidence and communication skills needed to generate income from them.
According to Mr Appiah, self-development and the ability to explain complex ideas in simple, logical terms are crucial for STEM enthusiasts. He encouraged participants to view failure as a natural part of growth.
“Don’t give up, no matter how many times you fail. Keep trying until you push through,” he urged.
While funding may pose a challenge, he stressed the importance of developing a quality product that people will immediately appreciate, warning that an early focus on profit might compromise quality.
Sharing insights from his own career, Mr Appiah described his experience working in diverse settings and with the media, which helped him build valuable skills. He emphasised that education should equip individuals to explore the full range of opportunities available to them, noting that young people should not limit themselves to the courses they studied at school.
“The fact that you've had a formal education doesn't mean you have to work in the formal sector, there are a lot of opportunities in the informal sector. Keep an open mind,” he advised.
Mr Appiah highlighted the enthusiasm of young people hungry for success and looking to develop their skills in STEM fields. In his closing remarks, he commended Primetime for its STEM Festival initiative, which he said dispels the misconception that STEM is purely theoretical. He urged young people to explore all areas of STEM, to enrich their lives and those around them.
Join us at 5 pm today for another inspiring and educational session with Jacob A. Osae, an internationally award-winning poet, screenwriter, and author known for his works in science fiction and fantasy.
The 2024 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Pepsodent, Jupay, Bel Beverages, YFM and GTP.