The Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE), by means of the Educa Sostenible program of the Ministry of Energy of Chile, launched the initiative “Experiencia Encuentros Educa Sostenible STEAM”, an educational activity that seeks to encourage women, boys, and adolescents in the Maule area by means of direct interplay with girls leaders in science, technology, engineering, artwork, and arithmetic (STEAM).
The assembly, held on the DTC+ Space of the University of Talca in Curicó, introduced collectively 80 college students from fifth to eighth grade from faculties in Talca, Curicó, Rauco, and Hualañé. The younger contributors engaged in a circuit of temporary conversations with 10 STEAM mentors, who shared their tales, experiences, and motivations in historically male-dominated fields corresponding to energy, engineering, and technology.
A transformative day
During the exercise, the scholars talked with authorities from the energy and instructional sectors, in addition to taking part in instructional actions organized by the University of Talca. Among them was a go to to a bus with scientific experiments, designed to spark curiosity and foster curiosity in science and energy.
“Promoting the participation of girls in scientific and technological areas not only addresses a historical debt but is key to advancing towards a just energy transition, inclusive and with equal opportunities. These experiences allow us to sow vocations and break gender stereotypes from an early age,” stated Francisca Valenzuela, head of the Gender and Human Rights Office of the Ministry of Energy.
Vocations born from expertise
The initiative allowed college students to find new educational and skilled potentialities:
- Kevin Murillo, from sixth grade, expressed his curiosity in finding out Photovoltaic Engineering, a profession he was unaware of till the assembly.
- Florencia Muñoz, from eighth grade, was motivated by matters associated to mechanics and mining after listening to the professionals.
These experiences present how direct contact with STEAM leaders can awaken vocations and broaden horizons at an early age.
Mentors who encourage
The mentors highlighted the scholars’ willingness to hear and be taught.
“The truth is that they motivated us to continue influencing more children about the STEAM world,” stated Miriam Monsalve, Civil Engineer in Civil Works.
Meanwhile, Érika Ubilla, Seremi of Energy of the Maule Region, emphasised:
“With this initiative, the Maule Region positions itself as a leader in educational innovation with a gender perspective, contributing to the development of future generations capable of leading the challenges of climate action and the transition to clean energy.”
Educational innovation with an inclusive method
The Experiencia Encuentros is a part of the rules of Educa Sostenible – STEAM, which promotes energy sustainability in any respect instructional levels and fosters a aware and proactive citizenry in the energy transition.
The mission goals to:
- Enhance the self-confidence of youngsters and adolescents.
- Strengthen curiosity in STEAM disciplines.
- Apply a inventive and modern instructional methodology with a human rights method.
- Reduce instructional gaps and develop cross-cutting scientific and technological competencies.
The initiative is applied by the SEREMI of Energy of Maule, with the help of the University of Talca in the DTC+ Space, a place for scientific assembly and dissemination that reinforces the connection between education, sustainability, and gender fairness.
Chile is advancing in constructing an inclusive energy education, the place the gender perspective and female leadership in STEAM are pillars for a simply and sustainable energy transition. Experiences like that of Maule show that sowing vocations from an early age is essential to forming generations able to going through the challenges of local weather change and main the way forward for clear energy.