SUVA – The U.S. Embassy and Mobil Oil (Fiji) marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs and encouraging youth to take advantage of science opportunities. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel announced the launch of two U.S. government-sponsored STEAM programs: Space Camp and a STEAM Youth Leadership Program. Mobil Oil (Fiji) Chief Executive Officer Adi Tamara shared the company’s commitment to education, women in the sciences, and the need for more youth to pursue STEAM degrees.
CDA Greubel said, “On this day when we celebrate women and girls in science, I am pleased to announce two programs for youth ages 15-18 to participate in STEAM development programs. I have been so impressed with the youth of this region and hope they will take advantage of and apply for these opportunities.”
Mr. Tamara said Mobil knows only too well the importance of positive experiences in early education that provide a strong foundation for further education, and possibly even careers, in science and technology. “We recently sponsored back-to-school kits which provided 1,100 Fijian students, who had been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa, with resources and equipment, helping to give them a positive start to the 2021 school year,” said Mr. Tamara
The two STEAM programs launched today were a Space Camp competition for two secondary school students to attend Space Camp in Alabama in mid-2021 and a Youth Leadership Program for 22 youth from Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu to develop community solutions that harness STEAM to address climate change challenges. Applications for both programs can be found here https://fj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchanges-and-fellowships/. The U.S. Embassy has focused on STEAM outreach for as a way to enhance future opportunities for youth and to discover innovative and collaborative solutions to current challenges.
Mobil also recognizes the importance of encouraging girls and women to pursue studies and careers in STEAM and supports the development of its own female employees through the company’s Women In Network. “Our Women In Network provides female members of the Mobil team with opportunities for personal and professional development through networking and taking on informal leadership roles, as well as participating in activities and events that expose them to new experiences and information.”
In 2015, the United Nations established February 11 as the International Day for Women and Girls in science in order to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in science. Diversity in STEAM fields increases talent, brings fresh perspectives, and inspires creativity.