As a middle school teacher for over a decade, I have learned and studied the benefits of teaching Science Technology Engineering and Math. I have seen many children flourish in STEM learning and education. This summer working closely with kids at our Active Scholars camp it became even more apparent and obvious how much children love to learn STEM activities. We had over 200 campers this summer in Ajax and Guelph, 95% of them weren’t just engaged, but loved learning. They couldn’t get enough of building, discovering, coding, designing, manipulating robots, computers, you name it. It was a beautiful sight to see. And then you would go in the gym or on the field and see them just as engaged and developing their physical skills. What was the key to the kids smiles and discoveries!? Creative games mixed with developing fundamentals in sport, along side stimulating their innovative minds.
This fall, I am in a new role as Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Being on campus is electric and exciting. The more I learn about the University and all it as to offer, the more I am excited to build a historical basketball program. UOIT “wants to take you further, with the best possible education for today’s world and for tomorrow’s opportunities.” This is beyond fitting with my desire to help young people prepare themselves for the future and perfectly aligns with Active Scholars.
To expand on my passion for helping to empower young girls, Active Scholars launched a girls only program this fall for girls in grade 2 to 6 and starts on September 26th, Girls Infinity. Brenton Alleyne, owner of Alleyne’s Gentlemen Grooming Centre, said that his daughter loved the two weeks of summer camp she attended and begged him to buy robotic equipment for the home. Brenton really likes the idea that she got exposed to this type of learning at such a young age. Girls Infinity aims to empower young girls by giving them confidence to participate in sport (basketball) to the best of their ability and simultaneously be exposed to modern day learning to challenge and foster a growth mindset. In this 10 week program, Ms. Donielle Norville (Public school teacher), a 3rd year female Mechanical Engineering Student from UOIT and staffers from IBM will facilitate the STEM learning. I (Christa Eniojukan) along with a couple of the Durham Elite Prep basketball players will facilitate the basketball skills development. The exceptional role models and curriculum planned will have a significant positive impact on the girls. It really isn’t an opportunity you want any young girl to miss. Registration is still open and you can sign up at www.activescholars.org. Families requiring some financial assistance can apply for funding with our partner, Their Opportunity.