In the sphere of education in Hong Kong, STEM education has been aggressively promoted, even in primary and kindergarten schools. Thus, it is natural for many to assume that senior primary school students generally possess some learning experience and knowledge in STEM. However, for children from low-income households, the opportunity to learn STEM still seems like an unattainable and unfamiliar dream, not only because they cannot afford the expensive course fees, but also because they lack computer and internet facilities.
Siu-nam is a Grade 6 student from After School Care Service, who harbours a keen interest in computers. Nevertheless, due to his family's financial difficulties, he dares not suggest to his family the idea of enrolling in a paid STEM course.
When the ladies from the Siu-nam invited him to participate in the "Micro:bit Creative Robot Challenge Training Programme" organised by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, he immediately accepted with a nod, but hesitated for a moment, asking, "But will it cost money? We don't have a computer at home..."
Providing Opportunities, Bringing Hope
Fortunately, this programme, sponsored by UBS AG, allowed Siu-nam and 11 other children from low-income families to participate in 20 hours of STEM activities for free over six months. This includes a series of courses on programming and robot-making, as well as pre-competition training for the Micro:bit Robot Creative Challenge, and it even provides computer equipment, among other things.
Before each session, Siu-nam would prepare and review half an hour in advance. His efforts were rewarded with excellent results in the competition, successfully winning the distinction award and qualifying for both individual and team matches.
"I am very grateful to the social workers and tutors. During the training and competition period, they were always there to help and encourage us, enabling us to combine the programming skills we learned with our own creativity, to create a robot that can dance, make sounds, and emit light," said Siu-nam. This opportunity has given him a head start, and he hopes to study computer technology courses in the future and become a successful technologist. More importantly, he aspires to be able to help those in need.
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