Top class: Significance of National Science Week celebration

Students throughout the country have recently celebrated the National Science Week. A week long event that provides the opportunity for students to open their mind to the sense of embracing a subject that governs the world.  

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, department of state for Basic and Secondary Education (DOSBSE), Dr Pap Sey revealed that, this annual event was initiated due to perplexing observations made at the department level on the status and state of science, technology and mathematics education in Gambian schools. He made this vibrant statement during the National Science Week held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, Bundung.

According to him, it has emerged, for instance, that the number of students opting to study science at secondary level or pursue a career related to it has been declining over the years. This trend, he said, appears to be a consequence of the negative image or perception of science, technology and mathematics education that students harbour; and, unfortunately, such perceptions may last for a lifetime if they are not checked and corrected.

He added that they know that these disciplines underpin areas of academic study and business which government prioritises as central to national development and, unquestionably, the country’s future. To illustrate this, he continues, it suffices to state that mathematics skills, for example, are vital to students in such areas as the physical science, engineering, financial services, information and communication technology and are increasingly becoming crucial in the social and medical sciences. He went further to indicate that within the frame of the global economy, present-day labour market demands require secondary education graduates that are well equipped with modern knowledge and skills, ready to take initiatives and endowed with the ability to solve problems and innovate products and processes.

Equally, he outlined, research has shown that secondary education and training, especially in mathematics, science and technology, is one of the key factors for increased economic growth and social development. He then added that recent developments in Asia and Latin America have shown these trends convincingly. ‘‘In the light of these realities, it is surprising that despite the growing needs of modern societies for a populace with strong background in Mathematics, Science and Technology, fewer young people have cultivated interest in these areas,’’ he emphasised. As such, he noted that the implication is that the current trend and situation could negatively have major impact on scientific research and economic development in the future.

The indication, he said with a rare frankness, is that at present learners are not inspired enough to continue with science beyond the basic and senior secondary school levels, which should be a source concern for all and sundry, especially  recognising how indispensable these areas are for young people to become productive citizens and lead healthy lives.

‘‘As a nation, we are hard pressed to find effective and sustainable solutions to this adverse trend in order to develop science and technology to appreciable levels that can be fully translated into innovative, dynamic and enterprising opportunities. This is the raison d’être for striving to popularise science and Technology though the annual celebrations and other relevant interventions. Overall, however, in order that our beloved country does not miss out or lag behind on the international scene, the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education and its collaborating partners will continue to work on providing quality education that adequately prepares students for entry into the labour market,’’ he said.

He seized the opportunity to commend individuals, schools and organisations that have been honoured with certificates of recognition, as they understood that a sound scientific and technological base is essential for economic growth and quality living.