50 girls participate in inaugural STEAM Camp

50 girls participated in the first ever STEAM Camp organized by FJ STEAM Princess which is a project aimed to re-invent interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics subjects in young girls in Fiji.

Aged between 12 and 16 years, these girls went through a three-day camp to learn fun and creative ways of approaching these subjects.

One of the founders of the project, Oliana Nayago says this is an initiative of a group of female mathematics graduates in Fiji.

Nayago says the group initiated the project after identifying the need to build and develop children's knowledge and skills in these subjects at an early age.

She says as academics, this was the gap they had identified which needed urgent attention.

Nayago says with the funding support from the US Embassy, they were able to set-up the first of its kind camp in Fiji.

Speaking at the closing of the event, US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Tony Greubel says they will continue to offer these important initiatives as it helps youth build bridges for their future careers at an early age.

The USP was also a partner of this initiative and provided hostel rooms for the camp.

A participant, Suyeshna Varman of Lautoka says she now understands the importance of women in these fields.

Varman has encouraged girls to take part in the STEAM camp to help Fiji move forward in these careers.