First steps in STEM education for younger school children in Cameroon
Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.
In most regions of Cameroon, access to any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education remains extremely limited, particularly in early childhood and primary education. Schools lack practical materials and interactive teaching methods, resulting in low student engagement and understanding of how the world around them works.
This project, implemented in cooperation with the Czech non-profit organization Malá technika z.ú., aims to address this gap by introducing an innovative, playful, hands-on STEM educational program developed in the Czech Republic in its elementary form. The program uses simple materials such as building bricks (such as Lego Duplo), roofs, pictures, and plans.
The project will introduce children to fundamentals of technical education — for example, how brick bonding works, what principles govern water cleaning, and how basic constructions or energy systems function. These topics will help children connect abstract scientific ideas with practical examples from everyday life. When tailoring the topics local knowledge and situation will be taken into account.
The Czech partner will provide all materials and methodological guidelines for teachers. An experienced Malá technika lecturer will be on-site to work directly with both children and teachers, ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building.
The target group includes children aged 5–10, as well as teachers and local educators who will be trained to apply these methods independently. By combining Czech experience in creative STEM education with local knowledge, the project will strengthen problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and curiosity among Cameroonian children. This approach promotes sustainable capacity development, gender inclusion, and long-term interest in science and technology as key drivers of social and economic growth.
The project will create lasting impact by strengthening the foundation of STEM and technical education in early childhood in Cameroon. Through practical, playful learning, children will gain curiosity-driven understanding of how the world around them works — from building structures and energy basics to water cleaning and environmental awareness.
Teachers trained during the project will continue to use and adapt these hands-on methods in their daily teaching, ensuring long-term benefits beyond the project’s duration. The educational kits and manuals will remain available in schools, allowing replication and further dissemination of activities.
By linking Czech expertise with local educational needs, the project supports capacity building, innovation, and knowledge transfer between countries.
The approach promotes gender equality and inclusion, encouraging girls to participate in science and technology learning.
Local ownership will be reinforced by involving schools, communities, and education authorities in the project implementation.
As a result, the project is expected to inspire long-term improvements in STEM literacy, problem-solving ability, and interest in technical fields among Cameroonian youth — contributing to sustainable human capital development and future employability.
