MUSCAT : Committed to promoting a knowledge-based economy, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Stemazone initiative has continued to focus on promoting the culture of scientific thinking, problem-solving, and analytical decision-making amongst the youth. Designed as a sustainable educational program, Stemazone was conceptualised in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Culture, Sports and Youth (MOCSY), to introduce Omani children between 6 to 16 years, to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts (STEAM).

KR Eshraqa Stemazone partnering with DAI’s Sustainable Business Group designed and implemented the ‘Green Innovation’ Summer Camp that highlighted ‘Climate Change’ as its central theme with the slogan ‘I can change the world’.

The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp was geared at delving deeper into the concept of climate change by leveraging new technologies that utilise Big Data and other algorithms. The camp also illustrated the use and role of Big Data in tackling real-life problems. From 1 August to 15 August 2022, summer camp catered to 50 students between 13-16 years of age, the event was held at the Muscat STEM Centre and Khimji Ramdas Infrastructure campus at Ghala.

The program offered two modes of execution – IoT and Electronics and 3D Modelling. The participants were divided into ten groups consisting of five members each. They were then assigned a specific problem in climate change for which they had to come up with an innovative solution.

Commenting on the program, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas said, “KR Eshraqa has been at the forefront of spearheading initiatives that add value to society. We are delighted to partner with DAI to inculcate world-class education programs in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. STEAM programs have helped foster an inclusive learning environment evoking curiosity in young minds, and boosting their creativity. The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp aimed to address broader global challenges like climate change. Students were empowered with the right tools, methods, and knowledge needed to lead transformative change.”

He further added saying, “Modules dedicated to climate change literacy are intertwined with the concepts of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Therefore, programs that thoughtfully converge the two have the potential to have an enhanced positive impact in the long run.”

The ‘Green Innovation’ Stemazone Summer camp, apart from focusing on topics related to climate change, also highlighted the role of sustainable cities and renewable energy solutions in Oman. Through active mentorship from professionals, students were given valuable lessons on building business models and pitching their skills. By encouraging students to explore new techniques, the program was able to help them connect their problem-solving ideas to real-world solutions.

To honour the efforts of the participants, an exhibition was conducted at the KR Infra office where students got an opportunity to showcase their ideas. After a thorough evaluation of the projects, the winners of the Cognitive Development and Stemazone Summer Program were duly rewarded.

Expressing his delight in being a part of the program, Adel Al Hubashi, who is an entrepreneurship advisor said, “I was delighted to be one of the jury team members and I would like to thank Eshraqa – KR Group’s social arm, for continuing to support and inspire the next generation of Omani youth by conducting coaching and training sessions in soft and technical skills. This type of program encourages the youth to think creatively and critically while teaching them how to pitch their ideas regardless of the possibility of obtaining them. In the ‘Green Innovation’ summer camp, the theme of climate change was challenging for students, but they were successful in showing everyone in the room how they can use 3D printers and the Internet of things (IoT) to come up with a innovative solution that can help in reducing the causes of this global issue. The teams were able to defend their ideas in front of the jury, and this program is the first step for the youth to be future entrepreneurs.”

Meanwhile, Firas Alwadahi, machine learning lead engineer at Rihal said, “I’m glad to have participated in the Green Innovation camp and also meet the students who graduated from the Stemazone program after two weeks of hard work. They were able to pitch their innovative ideas and work in a team from an early age. We hope that the participants will continue to keep up the habit of developing unique ideas and implementing them to achieve greater goals.”

Initiatives like these are a testament to KR Eshraqa’s continued dedication to aligning with the national agenda to nurture a progressive, competent, and environmentally-conscious generation that can contribute to the socio-economic goals of the country.