Empower Playgrounds, a non-profit organization, on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026 hosted a successful STEM workshop for over 200 BECE candidates from 14 Junior High Schools in the Eastern Region.
The event, dubbed “Empower STEM Day,” was held at Koforidua Technical University (KTU) in partnership with the university, and supported by the ‘Me Boafo’ foundation, and the Ghana Education Service (Eastern Region).
Empower Playgrounds aims to empower young students and build future STEM leaders by, installation of merry-go-rounds that generate electricity to charge portable lanterns and providing educational opportunities that transform lives. Their programs focus on providing light, augmenting education, and promoting wellness in deprived areas of West Africa. They also provide science kits and scholarships to support students’ learning opportunities.
Addressing the students, the Dean of the School of Engineering, Prof. Richard Arthur, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Today, you are stepping into a place where ideas grow, skills are developed, and futures are shaped,” emphasizing the importance of exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Prof. Arthur expressed gratitude to Empower Playgrounds for sharing KTU’s vision. He reiterated the university’s approach, stating, “we believe in learning by doing, mentorship, and innovation.”
Dr. Angela Trego, an astute engineer and a board member of Empower Playgrounds, through her insighful presentation urged the students to be confident and thrive in their various fields. She indicated that, Empower Playgrounds would continue to support their dreams of becoming future leaders through the implementation of their community initiatives and education projects.
On his part, Mr. Isaac Darko-Mensah, the country director for Empower Playgrounds revealed that plans have been outlined to support the development of the various schools in the rural areas. He mentioned that, the recent provision and installation of Starlink to Luta Basic school in Ada formed part of their broader agenda of providing sustainable internet connectivity to enhance education and learning.
At the Empower STEM Day event, students accessed various laboratories and departments within the university, enhancing their understanding of STEM projects.
A student from Okorase Methodist said, “I have learnt a lot today about STEM, I got to understand that there are solar panels that is connected to a battery and with the excess heat, it converts to electricity. I have seen how its works now physically and I am very happy to be part of this program.”
Another student added, “I have gained firsthand knowledge about how the civil engineering works, they showed us the technology used to ensure easy works are done across sites, the mechanism used to create and manage things as well.”
By investing in STEM education, Empower Playgrounds is changing lives and shaping the future of Ghana’s young generation. Their efforts aim to bridge the educational gap and provide opportunities for students to excel in STEM fields.
In attendance were both teachers and STEM district coordinators, students from the university, and among other important dignitaries.
