A significant gender inequity is apparent within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) vocations in Indonesia. Just 30% of the workforce in this STEM sector are female. There is a false stereotype that women are less capable to work in STEM fields, such as engineering, so resources dedicated to preparation, training, and placement are often provided for males and not females. (BPS, 2017).
PJI contributes to addressing the 'skills-gap' challenge currently evident in Indonesia by ensuring young women are provided with the capacity to acquire and achieve success within STEM vocations The GExS program focuses on improving work-readiness skills for girls at high school levels across Indonesia. This is achieved through the provision of foundational knowledge and strategies which clearly advance the aspirations of young females. Each student is immersed in experiential learning delivered collaboratively by PJI staff and educators. Targeted girls are introduced to possibilities of engagement in STEM careers. GExS's first objective is to identify and build aspirations.
Curriculum resources have been adapted and partnerships enabled in order to provide digital skills-based training. Training tools utilized by PJI originate from JA Worldwide (raising awareness of vocations within STEAM sectors) and CoSpaces.Edu. The latter involves a 3D creation platform that enables students to learn coding and visual programming. These tools and associated delivery strategies will be designed by PJI to best meet the needs of our beneficiaries.
Sustainable outcomes include training of teachers to ensure they acquire competencies to continue to deliver STEM curriculum and endorsement from education authorities. PJI successfully undertakes this initiative in many high schools and wishes to engage more beneficiaries. The objective is to ensure that young women are provided with an impactful and relevant education in preparation for entry into the workforce. Although the initiative does not directly place them in work, it begins a process of building their aspirations and introducing/augmenting IT skills.
The JA Worldwide and CoSpaces.Edu materials are specialized online learning programs which emphasize experiential learning - students are encouraged to participate in activities which promote a hands-on engagement. Programs are delivered by PJI personnel together with teachers and incidental volunteers. The activities undertaken by PJI will include:
1. Outreach: Socialization of the initiative to stakeholders including government entities, volunteers and schools.
2. Teacher Training: IT teachers who have been appointed as program coordinators in each of the schools will be trained by PJI personnel.
3. Implementation of material included in the JA Assemble Your Career: an interactive online learning program from JA Worldwide which provides practical information about STEM careers and ways students can prepare for these careers.
4. Implementation of Digital Skills Training. Utilizing the CoSpaces.Edu Platform: A web-based application that allows students to create and engage with interactive media content like 3D, VR and AR. Students learn programming languages, game development, and infographics.
5. Events; i) how to apply VR & AR technology, ii) showcasing and & evaluating students' project results, iii) creating VR Headsets (workshop activities), and, iv) participating in a talk show delivered by female STEM leaders representing, for example, engineering sectors.
6.Reflection & Action Plan: Upon graduation, students are rewarded with a certificate. Each participant is required to conduct a self assessment and create their future career action plan.
We thank any potential supporters, in advance for consideration of supporting our initiatives to help young Indonesians achieve an improved understanding of digital literacy whilst, at the same time, experiencing innovative educational tools and programs. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information if required.
