A signing ceremony, followed by the launch of the American Maker Space, took place on October 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Belle Village, with the aim of promoting innovation, creativity, and scientific exploration among students, signifying a significant stride in enhancing educational opportunities.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the Vice-Prime Minister (VPM), Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Ambassador of the United States to Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Henry V. Jardine; the Chairperson, Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre Trust Fund, Mrs Ellora, Mishra Dhunnoo; the Director, Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, Dr Aman Kumar Maulloo; and other personalities.
VPM Dookun-Luchoomum, in her address, emphasized the collaborative significance of the American Maker Space, transcending borders and uniting Mauritius and the United States. This initiative, she added, is a testament to their shared commitment to fostering STEM education, innovation, and hands-on experiences among young students. According to her, the collaboration between Mauritius and the US has already yielded significant scientific research and innovations. She pointed out that this vision seamlessly aligns with Mauritius’s goal of producing creative problem-solvers and future-ready innovators.
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomum also underscored the vital role of STEM subjects as the foundation of progress and innovation. She asserted that the Maker Space would stimulate students’ interest in Science and Technology, which are crucial for driving economic growth and development. She also highlighted that the Maker Space’s planned courses and workshops will equip students with practical skills in fields such as prototyping and robotics, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Furthermore, she highlighted the American Maker Space as a turning point in Mauritius’s educational system, offering students a platform to innovate, excel, create, and connect. Despite being a small island, Mauritius held immense potential to achieve remarkable feats, she added. She reviewed Maker Space as a testimony to the unwavering commitment to the future of young students and reflects the dedication to providing them with the best opportunities for success and growth.
In his remarks, Mr. Jardine emphasized the critical role of American Spaces in global connectivity with the United States. He recalled the U.S. Embassy’s decade-long support for programs empowering youth in Mauritius and Rodrigues through American Spaces. He declared that the U.S. Embassy’s $64,000 investment in this American Maker Space ensures that Mauritian youth have access to top-quality equipment, tools, and resources to turn their ideas into reality through experimentation and creation.
Mrs. Dhunnoo, on her part, stated that the creation of the American Maker Space offers young people a chance to connect the realms of knowledge and exploration. She underscored the goal of equipping students with current and essential skills like coding, three-dimensional design, engineering, and more. She added that the Maker Space platform will facilitate a deeper exploration of the tech world by providing access to both physical and digital resources.
SOURCE: GIS
