THE Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre recently marked its 10th anniversary with an open day, welcoming 30 students and teachers from Edward Seaga, Calabar, and Holy Family primary schools in Kingston.

The students explored the centre and participated in a variety of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster collaboration. They explored models, microscopes, and mechanical toys, and in the Math Exploration Lab, they put their creativity to the test by constructing objects from geometric shapes.

Established in 2014 through funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the STEM centre provides a fertile ground for young minds to experiment, discover, and nurture their talents in the critical STEM disciplines. It serves hundreds of students from primary schools, high schools, and early childhood institutions in Central Kingston.

Speaking at the open day, CEO of Grace and Staff Sandrina Davis said over the past decade the centre has been a beacon of possibility for young minds in Parade Gardens and beyond.

“This open day is a reflection of what we stand for—sparking curiosity, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. By providing hands-on learning experiences, we aim to empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. This open day is a testament to the centre’s impact, and we look forward to continuing to nurture young talent and contribute to the development of our nation,” she said.

A highlight of the open day was the engineering challenge, where students built bridges out of spaghetti. This activity not only introduced structural engineering concepts but also sparked discussions about teamwork, kindness, and the strength found in unity.

The STEM centre also features a music room, where students added a creative twist by rewriting a classic reggae song to highlight the importance of kindness. Another crowd favourite was the coding activity with micro:bit devices, in which participants programmed personalised messages promoting kindness and shared them with the group.

Environmental awareness also took centre stage as students repurposed plastic bottles to create lava lamps, combining science with a lesson on sustainability. The day concluded with a collaborative art project in which students celebrated their shared experiences. Before leaving, they were gifted with goodie bags filled with resources to continue their STEM exploration at home.

Teachers commended the event for its perfect blend of fun and education, highlighting the enriching hands-on and age-appropriate activities.

Kwame Sutherland (right) commercial analyst, World Brands Limited (WBL), and students from Holy Family, Calabar and Edward Seaga Primary Schools, participate in a creative activity to add vibrant colours to the “10 Years of STEM” commemorative canvas.