The 2024 edition of the WACCBIP Senior High School Outreach Programme, which took place from November 19 to 21, engaged students from over 15 schools across three districts in the Western Region.
This initiative provided a dynamic and practical STEM learning experience, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world scientific applications while fostering curiosity and inspiring future careers in science and research.
The programme began at Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS, the host school in Sekondi-Takoradi, where students participated in hands-on activities, including DNA extraction, blood group testing, microscopy, and gram staining. Participating schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan area included Adiembra SHS, Diabene Senior Technical High School, Methodist SHS, Bompeh SHS, Takoradi SHS, Sekondi College, and Ahantaman SHS.
At the next location, Kwame Nkrumah SHS in Axim, students from Axim Girls’ SHS joined the sessions and benefitted from a series of inspirational presentations by WACCBIP’s young scientists and graduate interns. Among the speakers was Dr. Jersley Chirawurah, a Postdoctoral Fellow at WACCBIP, who shared his journey as a malaria researcher, emphasizing the need to address Africa’s unique health challenges through local scientific expertise.
Adding to the excitement was a Jeopardy-style quiz competition, which energized the sessions and encouraged enthusiastic participation. Practical experiments, such as DNA extraction using household materials like table salt and ethanol, further deepened students’ understanding of microbiology and inspired critical thinking about pressing issues, including antimicrobial resistance.
Participants expressed their excitement and gratitude for the initiative, describing it as both educational and transformative. Benita Uche Chibuike, a student from Bonzo Kaku SHS, highlighted how the programme deepened her understanding of diseases and diagnostic methods.
“I was very excited to be part of the WACCBIP SHS programme. It was so educative—we learned about diseases, how they can be controlled, and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Now, I know more about diseases, especially the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and how malaria can be detected. They also took our blood samples, and now we know our blood groups, whom we can donate to, and who can donate to us. Thank you very much, WACCBIP, for organizing this programme.”
Lukman Sulemaniako from Uthman Bin Affan Islamic SHS praised the programmefor its impact on his academic aspirations.
“This has been a wonderful day for me as I participated in this programme. I’ve learned a lot, and it has broadened my horizon to study hard and further my education. I was able to extract DNA from banana and pawpaw, and during the programme, we were also taught the process and guidelines for applying to tertiary schools after completing SHS. They have donated science equipment to my school and other schools that attended to help us with our practical work.”
Rev. Kofi Batchanyor, Head of the Science Department at Axim Girls’ SHS, expressed his gratitude:
“We came today to Kwame Nkrumah SHS to attend a career workshop organised by WACCBIP, their Senior High School Outreach Programme. It’s been very insightful; it’s been very instrumental, and it's going to go a very long way to help us even as teachers on how to go on with our science lessons, having been taken through some of the practical things that they do at their Centre. We are so grateful for them.”
The programme concluded at Esiama Senior High Technical School in the Ellembele District, where students from Bonzo Kaku SHS, Nkroful Agricultural SHS, and Uthman Bin Affan Islamic SHS joined their colleagues for final lap of the outreach, after which the team paid a courtesy call on Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, Paramount Chief of Lower Town Axim and Nsein Traditional Area. He commended WACCBIP for its efforts to nurture future scientists and encouraged the team to continue their impactful work.
With support from LabMart Ghana, the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), EPP Book Services, and Balme Library-University of Ghana, the programme donated lab equipment, textbooks, and souvenirs to all participating schools. By employing an engaging and innovative approach, the 2024 WACCBIP SHS Outreach Programme reinforced its commitment to advancing STEM education, equipping students with essential skills, and motivating them to pursue impactful careers in science and research.
About the WACCBIP High School Engagement Outreach Programme
Since its inception in 2016, the WACCBIP High School Engagement Outreach programme has served as a valuable platform to inspire young minds, particularly students from rural and underserved communities, by exposing them to the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in scientific research. Our aim is to broaden the perspective of these students, many of whom often limit their aspirations to traditional fields such as medicine, engineering, and computer science due to limited access to information. By showcasing careers in scientific research, we hope to nurture their passion for science and encourage them to pursue fields that contribute to global health and innovation.
The outreach activities include interactive sessions, hands-on practical demonstrations of scientific equipment, and experiments, all of which help students gain insights into real-world scientific applications. The programme also educates students on common infectious diseases prevalent in Ghana, fostering a sense of responsibility toward contributing to public health solutions in their communities.
