By Grace Q. Bryant
The University of Liberia (UL) recently held a significant meeting with the Practical Education Network (PEN) to discuss a proposed partnership aimed at developing a Hands-On Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Center.
The meeting, which took place at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill campus, was an important step ahead of the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UL and PEN.
The session was led by Al-Hassan Conteh, Acting President of the University of Liberia, and Heather Beem, Founder & CEO of Practical Education Network, with notable participation from representatives of the Ministry of Education and members of the UL Administration.
The MoU, which marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration, is set to be officially signed at the UL Fendall campus on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Practical Education Network is a non-profit organization focused on improving student learning outcomes by enhancing teacher capacity.
Its teacher training program integrates an MIT-style “Learning-By-Doing” approach, which empowers educators to deliver interactive Science and Mathematics lessons despite challenges such as resource constraints.
The University of Liberia’s partnership with PEN is expected to revolutionize STEM education in Liberia by equipping teachers with the necessary tools and skills to foster a deeper understanding of these critical subjects.
This collaboration is aligned with Liberia’s broader educational goals, as demonstrated by the country’s active participation in the mEducation Alliance STEM Symposium, held from October 1-3, 2024, at George Mason University.
Liberia’s representatives, including Deputy Minister for Instruction, Amos Fully and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology, Vocational, Special, and Inclusive Education, Nathaniel K. Cisco, highlighted the country’s dedication to integrating STEM education into national curricula, utilizing affordable and locally sourced materials.
Dr. Heather Beem, during her presentation at the symposium, shared the success and scalability of the PEN model, emphasizing its impact on advancing STEM education across Liberia. Sangay Freeman, Director of STEM Education at the Ministry, also took part in discussions, focusing on Liberia’s collaboration with Learning Upgrade to introduce educational technology (EdTech) into secondary schools.
This initiative is designed to bolster the integration of digital tools into the STEM curriculum, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.
The symposium served as a platform for Liberia’s education leaders to engage with global experts and organizations such as UNICEF, Purdue University, and Dell Technologies.
A special members’ day on October 4 at the World Bank provided further opportunities for exchanging best practices and exploring international collaborations to expand access to STEM education.
Liberia’s proactive participation in these global fora underscores the nation’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable STEM education ecosystem.
As the MoU between the University of Liberia and Practical Education Network is finalized, the partnership promises to significantly impact Liberia’s educational landscape, creating new opportunities for students and educators alike in the STEM fields.
