BP Oman in partnership Engineering for Kids (EFK) recently held eight workshops across Al Dhakhliya and Al Dhahira regions in Oman for over 500 students in chemical, aerospace, robotics and hardware engineering.

Engineering for Kids targets pupils aged between 6 and 14, with the aim of cultivating young minds to understand and develop problem solving skills and encourages them to discover mechanisms of things. EFK also introduces the idea of exploring engineering as a career option and motivates them to learn math and science concepts by a practical engagement in real-world engineering challenges.

“In an increasingly competitive and globalized market, skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)are critical for the nations enduring drive to deliver sterling workforce for the future,” said Shabib Al Maamari, Communication & External Affairs manager at BP Oman.

“Exposing children at a young age to these disciplines increases the chances of them becoming passionate about them and pursuing them in future. We are happy to support modernisation by supplementing local education in a manner that makes learning interactive and interesting for students in Oman.”

Appealing to the natural curiosity of youth, the workshops comprised of activities that helped the students explore and apply principles of buoyancy, design custom video games consoles controllers. Their focus also pivoted around ergonomics in designs and building Sumo-Bots. This did not only enable them to realise their potentials but also allowed room for critical thinking through engagement in real-life, fun and challenging projects.

"We are passionate about the programme because we believe that early exposure to STEM education has a lasting impact on a student's future. In these workshops, we put the excitement in STEM education by offering fun, hands-on learning for students of grades 1 to 8," said Saif Al Manji, executive manager of EFK Oman. – TradeArabia News Service