Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE in Cameroon Opens New Regional Conference Center for GLOBE Professional Development and Initiates National Science Teacher Association
GLOBE in Cameroon is becoming a regional model for improving the teaching of science, math, and technology in Africa. Under the leadership of Mrs. Margaret Besong, Cameroon Country Coordinator, GLOBE in Cameroon has opened a Regional Conference Center for GLOBE professional development. In addition, inspired by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in the United States, Mrs. Besong has created a Cameroon Science Teachers Association (CAMSTA).
The Regional Conference Center is not only available for teachers and trainers in Cameroon, but for all GLOBE partner countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is the first GLOBE Regional Conference Center in Africa. Mrs. Besong has strong support from both the Ministry of Basic Education and the Ministry of Secondary Education. The center was inaugurated on 10 November 2005. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mr. Zoua Abraham, Secretary General for Basic Education, Professor Ivo Tambo, Secretary General for Secondary Education, Mr. Robert Strauss, Peace Corps Director, Mr. Dan Whitman, U.S. Embassy, and Dr. Rebecca Boger, U.S. GLOBE Program Office. Many students presented their student research, recited poetry, and sang songs to the participants and guests of honor at the ceremony.
CAMSTA was initiated on February 10, 2005. A number of GLOBE teachers have leadership roles in CAMSTA. They are making efforts to popularize science and environmental education, mathematics, and the use of technology among teachers. Following the Regional Conference Center inauguration in November 2005, a computer and Internet training workshop was held for CAMSTA teachers in the Yaounde region. Mrs. Besong participated in the 2005 NSTA conference in Dallas, Texas USA, and presented a multitude of impressive activities occurring in Cameroon. In addition, she will be presenting at the first NSTA International Science Education Day (6 April 2006), co-sponsored by the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE), at the NSTA 2006 conference to be held in Anaheim, California USA this year.
Related URLs:
GLOBE at NSTA 2005:
http://www.globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?nsta_2005&lang=en&nav=1
U.S. National Science Teacher Association (NSTA):
http://www.nsta.org
17 February 2005