High-quality education is a global prerequisite for development and participation in society. That is why Siemens Stiftung is actively committed to strengthening science and technology teaching with its international educational program Experimento.
Joint project with UNESCO Mexico and INNOVEC
Given its commitment to education in South America, Siemens Stiftung supported the Foro Consultivo Internacional “Development of methods for preschool STEM education with a gender perspective.” The joint project between UNESCO Mexico, the educational initiative INNOVEC and Siemens Stiftung was staged in Puebla, Mexico, from February 27 through March 1. More than 100 educational experts attended the conference and discussed guidelines on how preschool education in STEM subjects can be furthered in Mexico.
Road map for promoting STEM education at preschools
Following the forum, staff from UNESCO Mexico will systematize the experts’ suggestions and identify concrete measures. Nuria Sanz, Director and Representative of UNESCO in Mexico, provided detailed insight into how the organization will tackle that task: First of all, a digital platform is planned that will enable participants to share ideas and coordinate action to foster science and technology teaching in Mexico. In addition, an interdisciplinary advisory team is to develop teaching methods that take particular account of the special circumstances in the field of education in Mexico. Furthermore, UNESCO will launch a nationwide contest in which teachers, promoters, scientists and the general public are asked to submit ideas for low-cost experiments. The aim is to make science and technology accessible to preschool children in a playful manner.
Successful kick-off event
Nuria Sanz once again underscored the importance of STEM subjects for children’s development: “Understanding sciences is nothing less than understanding the ABC of the world.” Siemens Stiftung is delighted to actively support the educational work in Mexico. Dr. Nathalie von Siemens, Managing Director and spokesperson for Siemens Stiftung, emphasized that Foro Consultivo was the first to offer a platform for discussion on scientific preschool teaching methods in Mexico. The expert discussion had taken place “at a very high level, with great enthusiasm and in a constructive climate”.