Best In STEM reposted this
Understanding STEM in The Gambia: A Student Perspective Before designing programs, it’s important to first understand the challenges,experiences,and the gaps that exist. Under the leadership of Wi-STEM Africa ,and my role as the current Youth Ambassador for Wi-STEM Africa West Africa, I conducted a student survey to gain insights into the motivations, experiences, and needs of STEM students in The Gambia. This study captures insights from 122 STEM students, offering a snapshot of student ambition and key challenges. - 76.5% female participation — reflecting strong representation of young women in STEM - 67.2% motivated by career opportunities - 62.7% identified limited access to essential resources - 52.5% expressed a need for mentorship and guidance While the survey included both male and female students, the strong female representation highlights the growing presence and voice of young women in STEM across The Gambia. While there are ongoing efforts supporting STEM students, many respondents still expressed a need for additional financial support, highlighting the growing demand for opportunities in this space. This infographic, developed by Wi-STEM Africa based on the survey, provides a snapshot of student perspectives and experiences in the Gambia. The aim is to contribute to ongoing conversations and support efforts that are informed, practical, and responsive to student needs. A Heartfelt Thank You: • To the 122 students across various institutions and schools in The Gambia who shared their stories- thank you for your honesty and trust. • To WiSTEM Africa for the platform to serve as a Youth Ambassador and for the mission that drives this work every day. • To our President,Dr. Aminata Dembélé for her continuous and invaluable guidance throughout this entire research process. • To Vida Awinime Bugri, Ph.D. for transforming the raw data into this insightful infographic. • A very special thank you to Aunty Kodou Jeng 🇬🇲 and the entire Wi-STEM Africa team for your belief in me, and for always being there whenever I needed guidance. This report is a result of our shared commitment to empowering the current and next generation of women in STEM. #WomenInStem #WiSTEMAfrica